Contracts & Sourcing Manager Review
at Post Office
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Finance
London
Review Submitted: April 2022
Overall Rating
4.5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
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.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
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.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
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.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
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.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
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.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
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 Higherin 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.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
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.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
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.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Post Office to a friend?
No
Why?
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.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Post Office?
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.
