2026 Procurement Apprentice – Level 3 Business Administration, Level 4 Procurement and Supply
In fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make tomorrow’s world possible. Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer.
Start Date: 07 September 2026
Salary: £24,000 per annum
Employee type: Permanent
Location: Belfast
Working Schedule: 37 hours a week – Monday to Thursday 8‑hour days, Friday 5‑hour days
What the role has to offer
* Practical learning and hands‑on experience in tactical buying and procurement
* Opportunity to support cost‑saving initiatives and efficient purchasing decisions
* Exposure to supplier management and maintaining positive supplier relationships
* Training in core procurement processes and procedures
* Experience in purchase order creation and management
* Developing customer service skills by supporting internal stakeholders
* Building confidence in problem‑solving within supply chain operations
* Experience in contract administration and the basics of procurement law
* Collaboration with a centralised UK team on supply chain activities
* Support in developing skills in responsible and sustainable procurement
* Introduction to risk identification and management in the procurement context
* Real prospects for growth and development within the procurement profession
Description of role
As an Apprentice Tactical Buyer you will become a valued member of our UK centralised procurement team, working at the very heart of supply chain operations. You will gain essential experience in tactical buying, negotiation, and supplier relationship management, helping to ensure value and compliance for the business. You’ll learn to create and manage purchase orders, solve day‑to‑day supply chain challenges, and deliver excellent service to internal customers. Working closely with colleagues across functions, you’ll also develop your skills in contract administration and risk awareness, all while learning to promote ethical and sustainable procurement. This role offers practical experience and a strong foundation to build your career and progress in the procurement profession.
Apprenticeship programme
As a Procurement Apprentice you will enrol onto a three‑year programme. Firstly, you will complete a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship over 1 year with Belfast Metropolitan College. Upon completion of the Level 3 you will be supported to progress onto a Level 4 HLA in Procurement and Supply over a further 2 years, resulting in a CIPS Level 4 qualification.
Requirements
* 2 A‑levels (or equivalent qualifications) at grade C or above
* 5 GCSEs 9‑4 (A‑C) including English and Maths
Benefits
* 201 hours annual leave (plus a company day and bank holidays)
* Company pension
* Health Care Cash Plan
* Life insurance
* Discount portal
* Performance‑related pay uplifts
* 80 hours volunteering (first two years)
Closing date
Applications will close at 11:59 pm on Thursday 12 February 2026. We will contact shortlisted candidates by the end of February 2026 with details of next steps.
Security clearance
This role requires Security Clearance (SC). Candidates must possess the permanent right to work in the UK and will be required to go through Government security clearance at BPSS Level and obtain full Security Clearance (SC) prior to starting with us.
Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.
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