Contracts & Sourcing Manager Review

My role involving providing sourcing resource for onboarding/changing goods and services for Post Office Management Services and Contract management responsibilities for the Commercial function within Post Office Limited. Monitoring contracts coming up to expiry and ensuring these are managed with relevant stakeholders across the function.

I have learnt the core fundamentals of Sourcing and Procurement by undertaking CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Sourcing and Procurement. The onboarded skills, techniques and learnings throughout the Apprenticeship were used and applied in the delivery of my daily responsibilities within my role. Skills ranged from Stakeholder Management, tendering, and contract negotiation.

I really enjoyed the programme as the Apprenticeship allowed me to liaise with other attendees across industry and share best practice and to learn about both the private and public sector procurement. All facilitated through the weekly lectures.

The Apprenticeship was well structured as it allowed 20% (1 Day) from your working week to focus on studying. The modules were well structured and informative, with clear instruction on examinations, pass grades as well as end of project assessment and interview.

My Line Manager was very supportive throughout the Apprenticeship as he also provided me with real work based opportunities to apply the learnings I was onboarding. I cannot speak more highly of the support I received as I have now gone on to shape a career through this onboarded specialism.

Encompass were brilliant. I was fully supported throughout the process. My lecturer, [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] was outstanding. She was always contactable, patient and very clear in her delivery of course material and preparations for examinations and end point assessments.

My qualification has helped me immensely and I would fully advocate anyone thinking about undergoing an Apprenticeship to do so. I have continued to develop and grow in role to which I now been given more responsibility and a wider remit across the Post Office as a result of my time on the Apprenticeship and my ability to transfer and apply my learnings.

Yes there is. I am Chair of Post Office Ethnic Minorities (POEM) which is a BAME Diversity Network within Post Office. There are many other Diversity Network in which colleagues can join.

No

I would not recommend Post Office to a friend although my recent journey over the last two years has seen a positive trajectory. My reason for this is the lack of BAME representation at Senior Leadership level.

Do your research on Post Office to ensure that any opportunities meet your requirements in terms of career trajectory, culture and D&I. I would also say that working for the Post Office provides a chance to work with some great people.