Graduate Procurement Trainee

Support public sector procurement and commercial projects while completing a structured graduate programme and apprenticeship to develop expertise in procurement, contract management, and supplier relationships.

Role Responsibility

Launch Your Career in Procurement & Commercial Services

Are you a graduate ready to build a meaningful career where your work delivers real impact?
 
 The Kent Graduate Programme (KGP) – Procurement & Commercial Pathway offers a unique opportunity to develop into a skilled procurement professional, shaping services that provide value for money and improve outcomes for Kent’s communities.

About the Role

As a Graduate Procurement Trainee, you’ll join Kent County Council’s Commercial and Procurement Division (CPD), supporting the delivery of high-quality procurement and contract management across a wide range of essential services.

You’ll gain hands-on experience across diverse areas, including:

• Growth and Communities

• Environment and Waste

• Highways and Transportation

• Property and Facilities Management

• Social Care

• Corporate Services (Finance, HR, ICT)

From day one, you’ll contribute to real projects while learning how strategic procurement supports strategic outcomes.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting Commercial and Procurement Managers with end-to-end procurement activities

• Assisting with tendering processes, bid evaluations, and contract negotiations

• Contributing to supplier performance management and risk mitigation

• Conducting market research and data analysis to inform decisions

• Building strong relationships with internal teams and external suppliers

• Using procurement systems to manage projects and reporting

• Ensuring compliance with procurement regulations, including the Procurement Act 2023

What You’ll Gain

• A structured two-year graduate development programme

• Opportunity to complete the Level 4 Procurement and Supply Chain Apprenticeship

• Exposure to varied, high-impact procurement projects

• Increasing responsibility as your experience grows

• A strong professional network across the organisation

• Ongoing mentoring, coaching, and tailored learning opportunities

About You

We’re looking for ambitious, motivated graduates who are ready to make an impact.

You will have:

• A 2:2 degree (or equivalent) in any subject

• GCSEs (grade 4/C or above) in English and Maths

You’ll also bring:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities

• Experience delivering tasks or projects to deadlines

• Good IT and report-writing skills

• Commercial awareness and an interest in local government

• A proactive, adaptable approach in a fast-paced environment

Why Join Kent County Council?

At KCC, we don’t just offer jobs – we develop careers.

As part of our award-winning Graduate Programme, you’ll benefit from:

• A structured development pathway with an embedded apprenticeship

• Access to extensive e-learning and our Digital Skills Hub

• Dedicated support from your manager and Graduate Team

• Opportunities to connect with professional networks across the organisation

• Flexible hybrid working, combining home and office-based working

Make a Difference

Join a forward-thinking, member-led council committed to delivering better outcomes for residents, communities, and businesses across Kent.

This post is considered by KCC to be a customer-facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English/Welsh sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. The appropriate standards are set out in the Job Description/Person Specification.

Closing date for applications is Friday 31st July, with interviews being held in Maidstone on the 21st September 2026.