Apprentice Procurement Assistant

We are looking for a Procurement Assistant Apprentice to join our busy procurement team at the National Theatre (Southbank building, SE1 9PX).  

You will support the delivery of an effective, data-driven procurement service. You will provide administrative, analytical and operational support across a wide range of procurement activities, including tendering, supplier management, contract administration, spend analysis and systems support. You will help ensure procurement information is accurate and accessible, contribute to procurement activities and build positive relationships with colleagues and suppliers. Through a structured apprenticeship programme, the role offers the opportunity to develop commercial and analytical skills within a dynamic arts organisation.

You will be studying the Commercial Procurement and Supply - Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship at Capital City College, one day a week.

In your covering letter, you must answer the following questions with examples:  

1. What makes you think you would be good at Procurement? (where possible, use examples of how you have demonstrated the skills and capabilities required) (max 250 words)
2. You've decided to appoint a supplier to redecorate your room. How would you go about finding and appointing the supplier? (We are interested in your thought process and the steps you would take, not specific information about decorators.) (max 250 words)
3. What does the theatre mean to you? (max 200 words)

The successful candidates will have the following: 

Essential experience and knowledge

• Maths and English at GCSE Grade 5 or above or equivalent.
• A minimum of three A-Levels or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of key Microsoft tools, particularly Excel (including vlookups, pivot tables, charts etc), Powerpoint and a basic knowledge of PowerBI, Tableau or similar platforms.
• Proven experience working as part of a team and the ability to build relationships
• Evidence of taking responsibility for completing tasks independently and working towards deadlines

Essential skills and abilities

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and work effectively across teams.
• Excellent analytical skills with a demonstrable passion for organising, analysing and presenting data as well as identifying trends and actionable insights.
• Contribute a positive attitude and must be reliable, pro-active and enjoy working as part of a busy team.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to work under pressure, to strict deadlines and with attention to detail.
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement, seeking opportunities to enhance processes, develop professional knowledge and contribute to the wider procurement team’s goals.

This is a Level 4 apprenticeship, therefore you must be suitable for study at that level. Although you are welcome to apply if you have a degree, applicants with a degree or a post graduate qualification in a relevant field such as Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Economics, Law, and Engineering or who have any extensive professional experience of working in a procurement or related department will not be considered.  

  Download the job description here.

We want to understand each candidates skills, experience, and perspectives, so we encourage you to complete your application using your own words. While generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be a useful tool for exploring ideas or structuring responses, applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content can appear generic and make it difficult for us to assess your individual experience. 

If you choose to use AI during the application process, please use it only as a tool to help draft and structure your ideas, check your spelling and grammar, and guide your writing, while ensuring the personal experiences are entirely your own words. Responses that do not demonstrate your own voice may affect how your application is assessed and could result in it not being progressed. 

Working with us will give you..

• Complimentary staff tickets for shows and guided tours, subject to availability and policy
• 25 days annual leave increasing up to 32 with length of service (plus bank holidays)
• Development Programmes via e-learning platform, and specialist in-person training relating to role
• Access to interest-free season ticket loan and cycle scheme partnership
• Enhanced sick pay
• Family Friendly policies including Family leave and Support leave
• Family-friendly employer – we are a member of Parents and Carers in the Performing Arts (PiPA)
• Pension schemes with Legal & General and NEST
• Sabbatical option, subject to agreement and policy
• On-site staff canteen and social facilities
• On-site occupational health support
• In-house mental health and wellbeing advisors providing workplace counselling and support
• Wellbeing programme of events, including mental health awareness, financial wellbeing, skills sharing and opportunities to get active
• Exclusive staff talks to hear more about NT productions, past and present, from leading practitioners
• Discounted access to National Theatre at Home
• Volunteer leave – one paid day per year to volunteer for your chosen charity
• Discounts in the NT’s bars, cafés, restaurants, and bookshop, as well as in local businesses (from Wagamama to gyms), on and around the South Bank
• Access to retailer discounted gift cards and a cash-back-on-spending card

Please note 

The closing date for the receipt of a completed application is  Thursday 30 July 2026 at 11:59pm.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a sufficient number of applications. To avoid disappointment, we encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity. Should you need support or additional time to submit an application please contact apprenticeshipenquiries@nationaltheatre.org.uk.

In line with our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), we recognise that we need to address under representation in our organisation. We actively welcome applications from individuals who are part of global majority, disabled and LGBTQ+ communities, and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

We strive to promote inclusive and equitable practices in all areas of the NT. As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview disabled applicants who meet our minimum requirements for our vacancies.

If you would like to speak to someone about any adjustments or have any questions about the recruitment process, you can email apprenticeshipenquiries@nationaltheatre.org.uk or call us on 02074523834.