Job overview
TfL spends billions of pounds every year operating the network. It is the Procurement & Commercial (P&C) function who are responsible for planning, sourcing, implementing and managing contractual relationships with suppliers.
This begins with setting a Procurement & Commercial Strategy, running a procurement and proceeding through to contract management via UK and EU compliant polices and procedures. This covers everything from cutting edge technology and travel, to catering, cleaning, CCTV, electricity, trains, highway maintenance, underground line upgrades, station upgrades and much more.
Underpinning all of our activity is the need to support the Mayor of London’s vision to create a better quality of life for all of its communities now and in the future. P&C takes the lead on a significant Responsible Procurement agenda focusing on skills, diversity, ethical sourcing and environmental sustainability to help realise that vision.
Sustainability
Sustainability is intrinsic to TfL’s work ethos, and we ensure that we operate in a sustainable way to protect and regenerate the natural world.
In our P&C function we work to the most excellent responsible Procurement guidelines in everything we do and work to ensure that our supply chain follows the same principles
What will I be doing?
As an apprentice, your two-year development programme will be made up of up to four placement rotations. Our aim is to equip you with the range of skills and experience you need for your successful career. We also understand that everyone’s career is different, so every apprentice’s journey is unique. Here’s an idea of the type of placements on offer:
We also understand that everyone’s career is different, so every apprentice’s journey is unique. Here’s an idea of what yours could look like:
Year 1
Placement 1 – P&C Utilities – 6 months
Working in the Utilities Team procuring the electricity that runs the London Underground and Rail networks. You’d be working on Early Market Engagement, meeting with potential suppliers to understand how TfL can get the best deal possible on its procurements.
Placement 2 – P&C London Underground Fleet – 6 months
Working within the Fleet Team, procuring specialist parts to keep the trains running on the network. This could include train wheels, motors and doors. Without this vital work, trains could be taken out of action which causes delays to customers.
Year 2
Placement 3 – P&C IT – 6 months
Working on the Contract Management of TfL’s Microsoft contract to ensure 30,000 users have access to all of the systems they need to do their jobs effectively. You’d also be working on the procurement of our bus intelligence systems that help tell our passengers when their buses are going to arrive.
Placement 4 – P&C Capital Highways – 6 months
Contract management of surface transport contracts such as Cycle Hire, Taxi & Private Hire and the Woolwich Ferry, and supporting the procurement of other contracts and services.
You’ll be encouraged to gain well-rounded experience across all of the P&C departments, with support and guidance from your sponsor and scheme leader who will help you in identifying the most suitable placements for you as an individual. Apprentices are encouraged to tailor the scheme to suit them and seek placement opportunities that are interesting to them.
Where can this career take me?
Upon successful completion of this scheme, you could roll-off into a Commercial Officer or Assistant Commercial Manager role, dependent on your performance throughout the scheme. This could lead to further career development opportunities such as a Commercial Manager, Senior Commercial Manager, Head of Commercial, Commercial Director – there’s no ceiling to how high you could aim!
Successfully completing the Level 4 Diploma means you'll become eligible for membership at the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS).
A career in P&C has a lot of scope and is transferable into both public and private sector organisations. One thing is true of all businesses; Procurement and Commercial is vital activity and will always be required, meaning that this apprenticeship is an excellent foundation for a successful career.
What Qualifications will I gain?
Level 4 Diploma in Procurement & Supply with the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS)
Apprentice Standard
Procurement and supply chain practitioner / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education
What training and support will you get?
Our award-winning teams will support your ongoing development, through a wide range of on-the-job practical experience and placements. We'll support your professional development through a combination of training, mentoring, and networking.
You’ll be working towards a Level 4 qualification in Procurement and Supply. Typically, you’ll attend college (online) and complete off the job learning one day a week through remote learning.
You'll also receive one-to-one guidance throughout the programme from your:
We also have an established Graduate and Apprentice Committee as well as an Alumni group; these groups are powerful networks in developing your understanding of the organisation, different apprenticeship schemes and opportunities to develop your career. Many current graduates and apprentices believe this to be a powerful support network and they often hold apprentice-only events that are very beneficial to your continued learning.
What do we look for?
Our core values are extremely important to us, and we desire candidates who are:
