Trainee Procurement Administrative Assistant
| Posting date: | 23 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £23,478 to £23,751 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 25 March 2026 |
| Location: | Durham, County Durham, DH1 5LE |
| Company: | Durham University |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 26000156_1771846503 |
Summary
The Role
The University's Procurement Service is offering an exciting entry level apprenticeship opportunity for individuals who are keen to begin a career in procurement and professional services.
This role provides structured on the job training, tailored development support, and the opportunity to gain a recognised procurement qualification, with a clearly defined development journey to Grade 4 for those who successfully complete the apprenticeship and development programme.
The successful candidate will be appointed at Grade 2 as a Trainee Procurement Administrative Assistant. They will undertake structured on the job training supported by a tailored development plan, agreed in conjunction with the post holder and aligned to their individual experience and development needs.
This is a development role, and candidates are expected to demonstrate the capability and potential to develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to progress through the grades, subject to satisfactory performance.
It is a requirement for this role that the University is satisfied that you meet the apprentice eligibility criteria for the qualification you would be undertaking as part of the role. Including right to work, residency eligibility, visa duration, previous qualifications conditions and completion viability. This will be applicable for any apprenticeship funding eligibility. More information can be found on: .
Development and Progression
This role is the entry point into a structured procurement development pathway, as outlined in the Development Journey timeline included in this advert.
Grade 2 - Trainee Procurement Administrative Assistant (this role)
You will complete structured on the job training and begin a CIPS qualification at a level appropriate to your experience and qualifications. With satisfactory performance and successful completion of your initial development plan, you may progress to Grade 3.
Grade 3 - Procurement Assistant (Development Role)
At Grade 3, you will take on broader responsibilities and continue developing the skills and knowledge required to move towards professional level procurement work.
Further information:
Grade 4 - Procurement Practitioner
Grade 4 represents the current endpoint of the development pathway, where you will work confidently and independently within the Procurement Service.
Further information:
Development plans at each stage will be reviewed regularly and form the basis of assessment for progression.
Timelines may be extended where the University considers it necessary to support successful completion. If, at the end of either development stage, the post holder does not meet the requirements of the next grade, they may be retained at their current grade, subject to satisfactory performance.
Continued employment is conditional upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, development plans, and required qualifications i.e. if they do not complete the development plan and procurement qualification their employment will not continue.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme