Procurement Industrial Placement

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

When you join our 12-month Industrial Placement Programme, you’ll be working with our high performing teams to get the right supplies from the right supplier, at the right price and at the right time!

Procurement takes care of owning strategic direction for categories of spend and leading on the execution of sourcing activities, negotiation and selection of goods and services that are important to an organisation. Working for a FTSE 100 Global company, within Global Procurement, you’ll be in a dynamic team responsible for purchasing goods, services and works required to keep National Grid operating. As an organisation who operates in both UK & US you may be required to collaborate with global suppliers and colleagues based in other regions.

You will be working as a part of a diverse Global Procurement team which uses a strategic approach for buying all the goods and services needed for the company to stay sustainable. You’ll be involved in the development of category strategies, identification of business needs, finding and qualifying the supply chain, requesting and analysing proposals, negotiating with suppliers and contracting. Ultimately you will be responsible for setting up the supply chain to enable successful delivery for National Grid. 

National Grid is committed to working towards Net Zero and as a Graduate Procurement Buyer, you can support this by setting the framework for sourcing sustainable goods and services. We are also committed to our people and are looking for individuals who are passionate about their long-term development and can see their career at the heart of the energy future.

Our Industrial Placement

Our 12-month Industrial Placement offers you the opportunity to kickstart your career within the energy sector and discover your unique superpower. Throughout your placement, you’ll receive a tailored development programme designed to support your growth and development. This includes a combination of in-person and virtual training sessions led by our development team, as well as access to a range digital learning tools to help further enhance your skills. 

Throughout your placement you’ll have opportunity to make connections amongst your cohort as well as regular check ins with a mentor and our Early Careers Team. Day-to-day, your placement manager will provide you access to a variety of on-the-job opportunities where you’ll take on real assignments and projects to make a genuine impact within your respective function. By the end of your placement, you’ll have developed your understanding of our business and the energy sector for your future career. 

What you'll need to apply

You'll need to be in your penultimate year at University, on track to achieve a minimum 2:2 in any degree discipline. You’ll need to commit to completing a 12-month Industrial Placement that will begin June 2025 and be eager to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting.

You’ll need flexibility to travel within role and throughout your placement as required.

Location

This role is based in National Grid House in Warwick and offers flexible hybrid working, where possible.

What you'll get in return

As a first step to your career in the energy industry, our Industrial Placement programmes are like no other. You’ll gain an insight into how we work at National Grid, providing you with a taster of the opportunities that await you. In addition, you’ll also receive some great rewards and benefits:

• Starting salary of £24,109
• 26 days holiday
• A chance to land a place on our Graduate Programme subject to your performance during your placement.
• Pensions plan, share-option scheme and flexible benefits
• 3 days development training, volunteering opportunities, close mentorship and regular feedback
• Invitation to join Newnet, our new starters network and employee resource group

You’ll gain more than just experience. We believe in nurturing talent and recognising exceptional performance. If you excel during your placement, you may receive an offer to join our Graduate Programme after you successfully complete your degree.