The Home Office works to build a safe, fair and prosperous UK. We achieve this through our work on counter-terrorism, policing, crime, drugs policy, immigration and passports.

The Chief Operating Officer Group works closely with the Home Office’s policy and operational commands to enable us together to deliver the department’s priorities.

The group is comprised of different teams and professional functions, including Commercial, Finance, People, Portfolio and Project Delivery, Security, Estates and Information and Digital, Data and Technology.

Are you interested in joining a profession that plays a vital role in keeping our citizens safe and our country secure?Would you like to build your knowledge and develop expertise in procurement and contract management, supporting efforts to reduce crime, enforce the law, protect our borders, and safeguard the most vulnerable in society? If so, the Level 4 Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) apprenticeship could be the perfect opportunity for you.

As an apprentice, you’ll help us secure the best value from the goods and services we procure for the Home Office. You’ll be a proactive team player, an effective communicator, and someone who can think on their feet to support our busy Commercial teams.

The CIPS apprenticeship allows you to study while you work, gaining a globally recognised commercial qualification alongside invaluable hands‑on experience. This role offers a strong foundation of transferable skills in a dynamic environment, an excellent stepping stone for a career in the Civil Service.

You could be placed in one of our Commercial Business Partner teams, such as:

• Borders and Migration
• Public Safety
• Homeland security
• Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme
• Home Office Digital

We are looking for dedicated, ambitious, and motivated individuals who can help deliver the objectives of the Commercial Directorate and contribute to strengthening our reputation as a trusted team that secures value for money from our contracts.

Rotational Experience and Skill Development

As part of our flexible apprenticeship model, you’ll rotate across different teams within the Commercial Directorate. These rotations are designed to give you hands‑on experience in a variety of commercial areas, such as procurement, contract management, grants and supplier engagement while building both technical and transferable skills. By working with diverse teams and tackling real‑world challenges, you’ll quickly develop the confidence, adaptability, and expertise needed for a successful career in the Civil Service.

Key Responsibilities

This role offers a range of opportunities to get involved in key areas of commercial delivery, including:

• Complete accredited training modules, including coursework and assessments.
• Support compliance by understanding commercial policies, contracts, and legal requirements.
• Assist Commercial Leads in managing contracts, tracking KPIs, and analysing spend.
• Help with contract changes and learn the full change control process.
• Build and maintain supplier relationships to ensure quality and timely delivery.
• Contribute to pricing strategies, financial models, and supplier bid evaluations.
• Identify and manage risks to support successful contract delivery.
• Provide data management, reporting, and project support to aid decision‑making.

Working Pattern

Due to the business requirements of this role, it is only available on a full‑time basis.

Training

There is mandatory learning associated with Commercial Roles.

You’ll receive monthly coaching sessions with your line manager to support your development, alongside opportunities for on‑the‑job training and access to online learning resources.

You will receive full training and support to do the job. Training takes place on the job with a mentor who supports you until you are fully confident in the role. Even then you are never alone; you work as part of a team where there is always someone around for advice and support. Further information on what the training involves can be found on our website.

Apprenticeship

This position includes completing a Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner qualification, which takes around 18 months. To be eligible, you must:

• Be 16 or older (no upper age limit)
• Have lived in the UK for at least 3 years before starting
• Not be in another apprenticeship or paid education
• Work at least 30 hours per week.
• Not already hold a similar qualification at Level 3 or higher

For more details, see Procurement and supply chain practitioner / Skills England.

Travel

Some travel to attend team meetings; supplier events may be required.