Commercial Procurement Placement
by Transport for London
Job Details
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Minimum grade: Expecting a 2:1 or above
Degree requirement: Any degree
Join us on a year in industry placement and help shape your own future as well as London’s.
With a population of over 8.6 million and more than 17 million visitors every year, London is a city that’s always on the move. Transport for London (TfL) is responsible for looking after the intricate planning and everyday operation of the Capital’s transport system. Our people make sure that millions of residents, workers and visitors arrive safely at their destinations, day in, day out. Every journey matters to us. Join us on our Commercial procurement year in industry scheme and, as well as enjoying some exciting career opportunities, your work could also have a direct influence on the future of London and the people who live, work and visit here.
About TfL
We keep the city moving. Transport is central to driving economic growth, jobs and housing. And the work we do at TfL has a direct impact on the lives of millions – every single day. Our remit includes everything from the Tube, London Overground, Docklands Light Railway, TfL Rail, London Trams, London River Services, Dial-a-Ride, Victoria Coach Station, Emirates Air Line, to the city’s cycle hire scheme and of course, our iconic red buses. But there’s a lot more to it than that.
We also regulate taxis and the private hire trade, run the Congestion Charging scheme, manage the city’s 580km red route road network and operate every one of the Capital’s 6,200 traffic signals. And we work to ensure a safe environment for pedestrians and cyclists. We’re pioneers in integrated ticketing and in providing information to help people move around London. Oyster is the world’s most popular smartcard, and contactless payment is making travel even more convenient. Real-time travel information is provided by us and through third parties, who use our data to power their apps and other services.
About the scheme
The commercial procurement year in industry is a great opportunity for you to gain industry experience on some of our largest and most interesting projects
You'll develop an understanding of the full commercial cycle, including:
- tendering
- contracts
- supplier relationship
- category management
- UK law and EU procurement regulations
We also engage with the external market creatively and effectively, to ensure that we deliver the best value.
Procurement and commercial management of all types of contracts are our core areas of focus.
Rail and London Underground
Commercial procurement oversee the tendering and management of multi-billion pound maintenance upgrade contracts, as well as services and materials supply. This could include major line or station upgrades and improvements, new train fleets, signaling systems, and enhancements to areas like communications, power, and track.
Surface Transport
This area covers a wide range of our Surface Transport areas, including: London Buses, London River Services, Santander Cycles, London Streets (road and traffic management), Taxi and Private Hire, and Congestion Charging.
Specialist Services
Our commercial function supports all areas of our organisation, including: information and communication technology (ICT), commercial services, projects and accommodation, facilities operations, and commercial strategy and performance.
Some examples of commercial procurement projects
London road user charging
The Congestion Charge is a charge motorists have to pay when they enter the designated Congestion Charge zone in Central London.
Since its launch, it has been effective in reducing traffic levels, boosting bus passenger numbers (especially during charging times), and enabling us to invest in public transport improvements.
The commercial department provides management to support the Congestion Charge contract, and takes a leading role in procurement activities.
Cycle hire scheme
Since its launch in 2010, there have been 15 million hires from our cycle hire scheme in Central London. Such high demand for the service means that we have extended the service twice: initially into east London in 2012, and more recently into the busy areas of south and west London in spring 2014.
Our Surface Transport commercial department has a responsibility to provide commercial management in support of the cycle hire contract, as well as taking a leading role in procurement activities relating to this high-profile scheme.
Fast Tracking
Completing a student placement with us puts you in a strong position if you want to apply for our graduate scheme.
You’ll be set clear objectives at the start of your placement and will complete a performance review with your manager at the end. If you perform well, you’ll be eligible to apply to fast track through the graduate application process to the final assessment stage. Successfully passing this assessment means you could go back to university with a guaranteed place for the graduate scheme in 2017.
The benefits
We offer a competitive salary of £16,706. We also offer a huge range of benefits including free travel on TfL’s network (zones 1-9) with an oyster card for you and one other member of your household, 30 days annual leave, plus public holidays, pension options, retail discounts and 75% reimbursement on an annual season ticket loan when travelling outside of the TfL network.
What you need to join
Our people have a key role to play in inspiring – and influencing – the future of London. To help us implement The Mayor’s Transport Strategy between now and 2031, we’re on the lookout for skilled, passion-driven students to join our dedicated team of 30,000 employees. We’re seeking bright individuals who are up for a challenge and thrive under pressure. We want great communicators and creative thinkers who embrace change and innovation and know how to put customers at the heart of everything they do.
Our assessment process consists of the following stages:
Step 1: Application form and situational strengths test
Step 2: Online ability testing
Step 3: Video interview
Step 4: Assessment Centre
More information on our assessment process, eligibility criteria and competencies can be found on our website.
So if you’re looking to make an impact on the future of the Capital – and the lives of the people who live and work here, now’s the time to make your move.
How to apply
To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button below.
The deadline has expired
We still have opportunities just like this one ready for you to apply.