Graduate Procurement
About this role
Job Advertisement: Graduate Shared Services Procurement Associate
Agency Partner: Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency
Client: BAE Systems
Location: Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom (Hybrid: Expected on-site 3–4 days per week)
Position Type: Permanent Graduate Contract
Salary: £34,000 per annum + £2,000 Welcome Bonus
Start Date: 6th September 2027
About the Opportunity
Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency is proud to partner with BAE Systems—a global leader in defence, aerospace, and security—to recruit a driven and ambitious Graduate Shared Services Procurement Associate in Preston.
As part of the Shared Services Team, you will support critical programmes, drive export growth, and sustain advanced engineering operations across the UK. This permanent graduate role offers a fantastic platform to build a comprehensive suite of commercial and procurement skills across the full project lifecycle.
Role Overview
As a Graduate Procurement Associate, you will engage with stakeholders across business units to help develop and deliver global procurement strategies. You will support contract negotiations, manage supplier relationships using performance metrics, and handle operational procurement tasks—from requisition and invoice approvals to sourcing, tendering, and contract execution.
Core Duties & Responsibilities
Category Strategy & Planning: Support category teams in developing and implementing strategies aligned with business needs.
Sourcing & Procurement: Deliver robust sourcing exercises in line with category strategies and company processes to achieve optimum value.
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM): Execute strategies for managing and optimizing supplier partnerships.
Sustainability & Risk Management: Embed responsible sourcing, sustainability, and supply chain principles into everyday procurement activities.
Health & Safety: Ensure high standards for Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) are maintained, understood, and implemented.
Key Requirements & Qualifications
Academic Background: Must have obtained, or be predicted to obtain, at least a 2:2 Bachelor’s degree (or a pass at Master's level) in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Construction, Quantity Surveying, Data & Analytics, or Technology.
Working Arrangement: Willingness and capability to work on-site in Preston 3 to 4 days per week.
Security Clearance: All applicants must achieve, as a minimum, the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Note: Due to security and export control restrictions, candidates must meet national identity, birthplace, and residency criteria.
Why Join BAE Systems?
Meaningful Impact: Build a career with purpose, contributing to advanced technology-led solutions that protect what matters most.
Professional Growth: Access first-class training, coaching, and mentoring programs designed to stretch your potential and foster lifelong learning.
Wellbeing & Rewards: Enjoy a competitive starting salary with a £2,000 welcome bonus, alongside flexible benefits tailored to support your financial and personal wellbeing.
Inclusive Culture: Thrive in an environment that champions diversity, sustainable working practices, and a strong sense of shared purpose.