Full Time - Fixed Term for 24 Months Are you looking to kick-start your career in procurement, business administration, or project management? Do you want to gain valuable experience while working towards a recognised apprenticeship qualification? If so, this opportunity at Reading Borough Council could be perfect for you We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities. We are open to flexible working patterns and can provide a hybrid working environment which utilises the best of both worlds with a mix of office working in central Reading and homeworking according to the needs of the Service. About the role As a Procurement Apprentice, you will support the delivery of Reading Borough Council’s procurement policies and best practice frameworks. You will assist in various procurement tasks, business administration, and governance operations, helping the Procurement Hub ensure efficiency and compliance across the Council. Your responsibilities will include: Supporting buying processes and managing companies who provide services to or for the Council. Undertaking administration tasks such as raising purchase orders and receipting goods. Assisting with data analysis, monitoring expenditure against budgets, and reporting. Learning from experienced professionals while completing an accredited apprenticeship. Contributing to change projects that improve efficiency in procurement. Apprenticeship Pathways Available: You will have the opportunity to complete a relevant apprenticeship qualification, tailored to your career aspirations: Business Administrator (Level 3) Procurement and Supply Assistant (Level 3) Commercial Procurement & Supply (Level 4) Associate Project Manager (Level 4) You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place. Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this: Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed About you We’re seeking individuals who are eager to learn and develop their skills in a professional environment. You should have: A strong interest in procurement, business administration, or project management. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team. Good attention to detail and accuracy, particularly when working with data. Confidence using ICT systems and learning new technologies. A positive and proactive approach to problem-solving. Our offer We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment. A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including: Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave A wide range of flexible working opportunities Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS) On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax For more information on this position please contact Emily Chomicz, Head of Procurement at Emily.Chomicz@reading.gov.uk Closing Date: 4th June 2025 Interview Date: 16th and 17th June 2025 Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.. Location : Reading, Berkshire