Southern Water are currently looking for an Apprentice Commercial Specialist based in Falmer, Brighton, to support the delivery of commercial management for high value contracts. This role will involve supporting the Senior Commercial Specialists with the day-to-day management and administration of a number of commercial projects and contracts and facilitating the effective delivery of cost management services.
With the full support of a dedicated Mentor and Line Manager, our Apprentice Commercial Specialist will play a significant role in supporting the documenting of audits and providing ongoing support to Project Managers to enable Southern Water to extract maximum value from its commercial contracts.
Responsibilities will include but are not limited to cost planning, procurement support, cost management, change management and cost appraisals throughout the contract and project lifecycle. You will work closely with Senior Commercial Specialists to provide pre-contract capabilities, this includes gathering data and analysis to support contract strategy and creation, fulfilling pre-contract assurance activities, and completing appropriate paperwork during contract drafting.
Location: This job will be based in our Falmer office with the opportunity to work from home too. Apprentices will also attend classroom-based learning sessions 1 day per week.
The apprentice programme will provide exposure to all elements of Commercial operations, combined with industry specific training and work experience. The programme will also provide you experience to our company operations, through specific placements in relevant business units.
By completion of the programme you will be proficient in all technical elements of Commercial Management and have a thorough understanding of the specific context at Southern Water. At the end of your programme you will gain a university bachelor’s degree and become a Chartered Surveyor, recognised by the RICS.
Our Commercial Specialists have a natural career pathway at Southern Water to Commercial Manager, Senior Commercial Manager, then Strategic Commercial Lead. Equally, we support our staff to make internal moves within the organisation if they discover an alternative area of passion they wish to pursue!
The successful candidate will ideally have the following:
This role will be full time Monday to Friday, based in our Falmer office with the opportunity to work from home too. Apprentices will also attend classroom-based learning sessions 1 day per week.
We are offering a salary of £24,288 as well as other benefits including:
Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.
You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation.
At Southern Water, diversity and inclusion are core values. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an environment where every individual is empowered to succeed.
This is more than a role; it’s an opportunity to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact. Apply now to be part of our transformational journey.
We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications so if you are interested in the position please do send your application over today to ensure consideration.
We value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments to facilitate your participation in the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to let us know. We are dedicated to ensuring that all candidates have an equal opportunity to showcase their skills and experience.
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