Apprentice Commercial Specialist

🔹 Contract and Project Administration

Assist in the day-to-day administration of multiple commercial contracts and projects Support Senior Commercial Specialists with managing contract performance and compliance Maintain accurate records of commercial activities and contract milestones

Participate in meetings with suppliers and internal teams to support commercial decisions

🔹 Cost Management and Appraisal

Help prepare and maintain cost plans and budgets for ongoing projects Track and monitor project costs against forecasts, identifying variances Contribute to cost appraisals and financial evaluations throughout the contract lifecycle

Provide regular support to Project Managers to help ensure value for money in commercial activities

🔹 Procurement and Pre-Contract Activities

Provide procurement support, including assisting with tender preparation and evaluations Gather, analyse, and interpret commercial data to inform contract strategy Assist with drafting and reviewing contract documents during the pre-contract phase

Carry out pre-contract assurance activities to ensure documentation is accurate and complete

🔹 Change Management and Audit

Support change management by recording, assessing, and processing contract changes

Document audits and assist in reporting findings to internal stakeholders

🔹 Broader Organisational Exposure

Collaborate with colleagues across the business during rotational placements to understand broader company operations and the water industry context

Training:

🏫 University-Based Training

The apprentice will undertake a quantity Surveying BSc(Hons) degree  at the University of Brighton Academic training is delivered at the Moulsecoomb campus on the Lewes Road, Brighton – located close to Southern Water’s offices at Falmer Apprentices will attend classroom-based learning one day per week during university semesters

🛠️ On-the-Job Training

Practical, on-the-job training will take place at Southern Water’s Falmer office and during placements across relevant business units On-the-job learning continues throughout the rest of the working week and during university breaks Apprentices will gain exposure to all aspects of commercial operations, including pre- and post-contract work, cost and change management, and procurement Training includes hands-on experience supporting live projects and contracts under the supervision of Senior Commercial Specialists

👥 Support and Development

Each apprentice is supported by a dedicated Mentor and Line Manager throughout the programme Regular progress reviews and feedback ensure the development of both technical and professional skills

By the end of the programme, the apprentice will be proficient in all technical aspects of commercial management within the water utility sector.

Training Outcome:

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! 

Employer Description:
Southern Water employs over 2,000 people and is the private utility company responsible for the public wastewater collection and treatment in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, West Sussex, East Sussex and Kent, and for the public water supply and distribution in approximately half of this area. At Southern Water our customers are at the heart of everything we do, because delivering water for life is our core purpose. To achieve this, we need 24/7 support in place to resolve incidents quickly and efficiently. All our employees understand the importance of out-of-hours incident support – because when problems appear, fixing them is our top priority. That’s why our people join together and support when and however needed to make sure our customers get the service they deserve. Joining the Southern Water family means you’ll become part of our incident support team

Working Hours :
37 hours per week, Monday - Friday.

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Problem solving skills,Presentation skills,Administrative skills,Number skills,Analytical skills,Logical,Team working,Initiative