Graduate Commercial and Contracts Officer, Electricity Transmission Strategic Infrastructure
Glasgow, GB, G2 1PP
About us
National Grid is at the heart of the UK energy network keeping people connected and society moving. We develop, own and maintain the physical infrastructure, such as pylons and cables needed to move the electricity generated from windfarms and power sources around the country. Every time a phone is plugged in, or a switch is turned on, we’ve played a part, connecting you to the electricity you need - and we’re leading the transformation towards a greener future, dreaming bigger to bring a more affordable energy future to everyone.
But it’s our people that provide our true superpower. They drive and sustain our growth, their unique differences only making us stronger. But it’s no small feat – and we need the best to join us in our mission. So, join us and power the future of energy.
About the role
Strategic Infrastructure is a part of National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) and is responsible for delivering 17 major new projects to connect more clean, low-carbon power to the transmission network in England and Wales. These projects, delivered under the regulator’s Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) framework, play a vital part in achieving the UK Government’s ambition of connecting 50GW of offshore wind by 2030.
You’ll be working with the Contracts and Commercial team who are pivotal to the early stages of this work and delivering Net Zero. We shape the contract strategy and support the project and procurement throughout the market engagement process so that the development of strategically important, complex projects is contractually and commercially viable. By doing this we enable Strategic Infrastructure to deliver the right projects at the right time to benefit society and enable the move to Net Zero.
You will be advising the project teams on risk, contract terms and cost effectiveness as well as benchmarking cost information to support Estimates to Completion. You will be engaging with subject matter experts to learn more about the risks they need supported in relation to their contracts and budget. You will also be leading Contract Review Meetings whilst monitoring and reporting contract performance. You’ll be completing Contract Management elements such as attending tender events, certifying payment applications, evaluating change and drafting on behalf of the project as well as helping to improve our digital tools and processes.
As part of your role you'll also be faced with some big questions:
- How do we build the right infrastructure, at the right price, with the right level of risk, to reach net zero quickly while ensuring sustainability?
- How do we establish assurance measures, KPIs, and robust estimates to support contract execution and project forecasting?
- How do we decide market engagement routes, timing, and implement new working methods for faster project delivery?
- How can we leverage digital solutions, automation, and AI to enhance effectiveness and efficiency?
Our Graduate Programme
As you’ll be joining our 18-month graduate programme, you’ll have a tailored development pathway to support you as you develop a wide range of leadership, business, and technical skills. You’ll attend in-person and virtual development sessions throughout your programme to equip you with the essential skills required, as you begin your career at National Grid. We’re committed to the personal development of our colleagues so as well as the support from your line manager as you navigate your new role, you’ll also have access to 121 coaching and a mentor, from a previous cohort to help you transition from campus to corporate life.
All graduates complete the core development programme to develop key skills such as how to make an impact, giving feedback and presentation skills. Aligned to this role is our Commercial pathway, where you’ll further develop commerciality skills and gain important insight of engineering and electricity to increase your understanding of our business and industry. Dependent upon your role you may complete a formal qualification such as (Chartered Institute of Professional Development) CIPD.
We believe in the importance of getting as much on-the-job experience as possible and to do this, you will complete three 6-month placements, across the UK, designed to deepen your understanding of your speciality but to also broaden your knowledge of our business. At the end of your 18-month programme you’ll return to your initial placement area to kickstart your superpowered career.
What you'll need to apply
You'll need to achieve a minimum 2:2 in any Quantity Surveying, Construction or Contract Management, Procurement, Mathematics or Science related- degree to gain a rapid understanding of the work projects you'll engage with.
It doesn’t matter when you graduated or if you are currently working towards your qualification. We just need you to be eager to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting.
Due to the amount of travel to our site locations, you'll need to have a full valid UK driving license that allows you to drive in the UK. You’ll also need flexibility to travel within role and throughout your rotations as required.
To be eligible to apply for this role, candidates must be able to demonstrate that they will have the legal right to work in the UK for the duration of the graduate programme. If you do not currently have the right to work in the UK, or your visa is due to expire during the period of the graduate scheme, please indicate this in your application and we will consider your eligibility for visa sponsorship and whether it would be appropriate to take your application forward.
Location
This role is based across Glasgow and surrounding areas (Scotland). This means you'll be expected to be based and travel around this region as part of your role.
(Please note. we also have the vacancy based in Birmingham (req. 59632) should that be a preferable location)
What you'll get in return
We are proud to offer a graduate starting salary of £34,895.
Not only will you receive a tailored development programme to progress a superpowered career at National Grid, we also offer some great rewards and benefits too:
- £2,000 bonus, once joined and started on programme
- 26 days holiday
- £2,400 payment on successful completion of the programme
- Up to £200 per month accommodation allowance as you move around the business, and additional annual leave for when you move between placements plus assistance with moving personal belongings
- Other benefits include pension and share-option schemes, Flexible Benefits, close mentorship and regular feedback & volunteering opportunities.
Applications & Deadline
We recruit on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close our vacancies once we have enough applications/based on volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to ensure you obtain the place you want in the application process.
You can only apply for one graduate opportunity during this recruitment cycle. We kindly ask that you review all our graduate opportunities and apply for the one that aligns closest with your aspirations and interests.
Assessment centres will be held between November 2024 and March 2025 in Warwick.
More Information
At National Grid, it’s our people that provide our true superpower. They drive and sustain our growth, their unique differences only making us stronger, so we pride ourselves on placing diversity, equity and inclusion at the heart of who we are and what we do and are committed to building a workforce of the future which represents the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office where and when needed. All our offers are based on the right to work in the UK, qualifications, the innovation from creating diverse teams and perspectives, as well as business need.
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