Early in Career Development Programme - Procurement 2027

The Position

Job title: Graduate Procurement Specialist 

Location: Burgess Hill, Sussex, UK

Length of programme: 2 years (September 2027 - August 2029)

Finance & Operations Early Careers: Graduate Procurement Specialist opportunity

Job Purpose

At Roche Diagnostics, our mission is to improve patients’ lives through innovative diagnostic solutions. Procurement supports this mission by securing the suppliers, products and services needed by our business, colleagues and customers.

A rare opportunity has been made available in the procurement function in the UK &  Ireland team. The role is based in the Finance & Operations Directorate. The function ensures organisational efficiency and excellence through robust supply frameworks, optimised sourcing, and aligned strategic planning, foresight and execution. 

As a Graduate Procurement Specialist, you will join a collaborative team and gain practical experience across strategic sourcing, supply chain resilience,  supplier management, commercial analysis, compliance and continuous improvement. Working with experienced professionals and stakeholders across Roche you will apply your commercially savvy mindset with academic knowledge while developing a career in procurement and supply chain management.

We are looking for someone commercially inclined with a keen eye for detail, curious, motivated and eager to learn who wants to develop as a procurement professional.

The role is a paid, full-time graduate role of two years’ duration, based in Burgess Hill, West Sussex with hybrid working with 3 days in office.

The Opportunity

You will gain exposure to the full procurement lifecycle, including:

• Support tenders, quotation analysis and commercial evaluations to secure value while maintaining quality, service and compliance.
• Monitor performance, maintain relationships and identify opportunities to improve service, resilience and value.
• Analyse procurement and supplier data to identify trends, risks, savings opportunities and actionable insights.
• Work with Finance, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain and other teams to understand requirements and support effective decisions.
• Assist with contract administration, purchasing compliance and adherence to Roche policies and relevant regulations.
• Help simplify processes, improve ways of working and use digital tools and data more effectively.
• Contribute to responsible sourcing, supplier sustainability and Roche’s environmental and social ambitions.
• Support procurement projects from requirements gathering through implementation, tracking progress and benefits.
• Support exploration of AI and automation opportunities within Procurement processes, including assessing the overall AI/automation landscape as well as the feasibility of AI/automation solutions.

As you develop, you will take greater ownership, contribute ideas and build confidence in making evidence-based commercial recommendations.

Why a Procurement programme at Roche?

Join a world-leading  innovative organisation. Experience a science-led international environment that values collaboration, learning and new ideas.

Grow your career. Grow in Global or affiliate procurement roles. Contribute to meaningful business challenges and build skills for a long-term career in procurement, supply chain or commercial management.

Build a strong commercial foundation. Develop experience across sourcing, supplier management, commercial analysis, contracts and procurement operations.

Turn data into value. Learn how procurement insights can improve decisions, manage risk, enhance performance and deliver sustainable value.

Who You Are

Essential Skills & Experience

We are seeking a graduate with initiative and an interest in how procurement creates value for businesses and customers.

Essential requirements

• A degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance, Economics, STEM or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant academic experience.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to interpret information and draw logical conclusions.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, including confidence engaging with colleagues and suppliers.
• Strong organisation, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A proactive, problem-solving approach and willingness to ask questions, challenge constructively and suggest improvements.
• A collaborative, accountable and ethical approach to working with others and following policies.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, or willingness to develop these skills.
• Genuine interest in procurement, commercial management, negotiations, sourcing, supplier relationships and healthcare or diagnostics.

What will help you succeed?

Extensive procurement experience is not required. We value enthusiasm, curiosity and willingness to learn alongside technical knowledge.

• Strong interest in commercial processes, compliance, problem-solving, or data governance within a regulated environment
• Experience or knowledge within automation / AI, metrics, dashboards, and performance frameworks (e.g., OKRs, KPIs)
• Comfortable with a continuous improvement mindset and challenging the “why”  with a willingness to take ownership of tasks
• Comfortable working with ambiguity and eager to learn in a fast-paced environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Experience creating presentations or working with data in PowerBI, Appsheets, Tableau  or similar tools

You will thrive if you enjoy working with data, solving problems, understanding business operations and turning ideas into practical initiatives. Above all, you should be motivated to develop, take ownership and contribute to a shared purpose.

Application process:

Stage 1: Submit your CV and cover letter

• Our focus is to understand why you have applied for this role and what you will bring to the role to ensure team and personal success. 
• Applications close on Friday, 16 October 2026. The application process may be extended beyond this date but could close at any point after this time.

Stage 2: Recorded video interview 

• You will take part in a recorded video interview, where you wil be presented with questions and record your answer to support your application
• Estimated date: November 2026

Stage 3: In person assessment centre 

• You will take part in our full day in person assessment centre at our Roche offices in Burgess Hill, Sussex. Further details will be provided if successful.
• Expected date: w/c 07 December 2026. The exact date will be provided if successful.
  

Please note: Unfortunately, visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Candidates must already hold a valid authorisation to work in the UK.

Who we are

A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100’000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.

Let’s build a healthier future, together.