Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner Level 4

Procurement is essential for any business because it involves sourcing and purchasing goods and services that the company needs to operate. Effective procurement ensures that organisations get the best value for money, maintain smooth operations, and can deliver quality products or services to their customers.  Professionals in procurement play a direct role in managing a company’s expenses by negotiating better deals, optimising supply chains, and finding cost-effective suppliers.

Course Materials: Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner Level 4 Overview

Duration: 17-20 monthsCourse Fee Information
Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner Level 4

Overview

Procurement has become a strategic function that directly impacts an organisation’s overall performance. A well-run procurement function can improve supply chain resilience, enhance innovation, and support long-term organisational goals. Studying procurement can open doors to diverse career opportunities, develop valuable business skills, and make you a key player in helping organisations optimise resources and achieve their goals.

We offer both Level 3 and Level 4 Apprenticeships with embedded qualifications from The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), formerly the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply. CIPS is a global professional body working for the procurement and supply profession in many regions of the world.

The role of Procurement and Supply professionals includes the process of procurement and the buying of goods and services. This qualification includes a Level 4 apprenticeship standard and the CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply) Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply. Candidates should already be working within a Procurement and Supply related role and have direct opportunity to manage procurement based projects within their job role. They must also be supported by a workplace technical expert, that has a minimum of 3 years commercial/procurement experience and a relevant professional qualification.

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Duration:17-20 months
Standard and Level:Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner Level 4 Standard and Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply
Entry requirements:
Candidates should already be working within a Procurement and Supply related role and have direct opportunity to manage procurement based projects within their job role. They must also be supported by a workplace technical expert, that has a minimum of 3 years commercial/procurement experience and a relevant professional qualification.  Employers may also provide additional entry criteria.
  • CIPS membership required to commence apprenticeship.
  • Candidates must be over 18.

Learners aged 18 who do not have exemptions will still be required to achieve Level 2 Functional Skills.  
 
Learners over 19 will have the option to either opt in or out of Functional Skills training and examinations. For those who choose to opt out, Fareport remains committed to supporting all learners in developing their literacy and numeracy skills by embedding these essential topics within the curriculum and assessments of the apprenticeship.  

To be eligible for an Apprenticeship you (or the apprentice) must:

  • Be living and working in England
  • Be 16 years old or above
  • Have the legal right to work in the UK
  • Have maintained UK residency for the last 3 years
  • Be employed in a real job; they may be an existing employee or a new hire
  • Work towards achieving an approved apprenticeship standard or framework
  • Work at least 30 hours a week
  • Be able to commit to the apprenticeship and its requirements
  • Not hold a prior qualification at the same or higher level in the same subject area
  • Not undertake or benefit from DfE funding during their apprenticeship programme, including Student Loans.
  • Have apprenticeship training and employment that lasts at least 12 months.
Cost:Fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy or 95% government-funded for eligible employers, with minimal contribution required.

Knowledge


Knowledge (K) – The theoretical understanding an apprentice needs to perform their role effectively. This includes industry-specific principles, regulations, and best practices.

  • K1: Procurement life cycles and how they fit into the organisation’s structure and budgets.
  • K2: Relevant regulations and legislation such as procurement, data protection, environmental, social and governance, and how they impact on the procurement process.
  • K3: How to collect and utilise market, supplier, and product intelligence to inform business strategies and optimise the procurement process.
  • K4: Market and product intelligence and supplier innovation support the development of business cases.
  • K5: How commercial models are applied to generate the best value for the organisation, and how they influence customer and supplier behaviour.
  • K6: The principles of achieving efficiencies and continuous improvement.
  • K7: The importance of collaboration between the Procurement, Finance, and other business functions.
  • K8: Incorporate business objectives and needs into procurement specifications by utilising tools and techniques to create solutions.
  • K9: The principles and purpose of commercial contracting.
  • K10: How contract terms, conditions and obligations affect delivery, supplier performance and outcomes for the organisation.
  • K11: Ethical and sustainability risks and opportunities related to sourcing decisions.
  • K12: The use of procurement to drive “social value” and sustainability, such as emissions reduction, use of diverse suppliers (SMEs, Ethnic Minority Business), addressing human rights in the supply chain, and combatting environmental harm.
  • K13: The documentation and terminology that form part of the commercial contract process such as the contract and its appendices.
  • K14: The procurement negotiation techniques required to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
  • K15: The organisation’s commercial strategy and policies, procedures, and governance processes.
  • K16: Principles and purpose of the organisations contract governance, risk management, and internal controls.
  • K17: Supplier performance monitoring, management, and reporting techniques which impact on, service, quality, and sustainability objectives.
  • K18: Category specific knowledge of contracts, market, and legislative requirements to ensure goods or services are procured in a compliant and sustainable way.
  • K19: How to conduct planning and forecasting which support the business decisions and the delivery of procurement.
  • K20: Analyse spend data and generate recommendations to feed into business and commercial strategies.
  • K21: The components, benefits, and constraints of taking a category management approach throughout the procurement life cycle.
  • K22: The digital and software tools used in procurement and supply chain management, such as “source to contract” platforms, supply chain finance tools, complex sourcing, and auctions, spend analytics, AI, risk tools and guided buying.
  • K23: The organisation’s contract award process.
  • K24: The principles of continuous improvement and how to identify and implement opportunities for improvement within the procurement and contract management process.
  • K25: The use of horizon scanning to identify the current and future needs of the sector and procurement landscape.
  • K26: Project management tools and techniques.

More information on the Standard is available here.

Skills


Skills (S) – The practical abilities developed through training and hands-on experience. These are the technical and transferable skills required for the job.

  • S1: Manage relationships with stakeholders.
  • S2: Interpret business requirements by assessing the demand for the product or service.
  • S3: Undertake market analysis to establish potential routes to market.
  • S4: Conduct benchmarking to evaluate costs against industry standards.
  • S5: Prepare or contribute to the drafting of a sourcing plan which meets business needs, including corporate social responsibility factors.
  • S6: Use the organisation’s documentation designed for commercial procurement processes for the supply of goods and services.
  • S7: Notify potential suppliers of proposal requirements.
  • S8: Use selection and award criteria to source requirements from external suppliers evidencing how supplier bids are evaluated against them.
  • S9: Analyse the financial implications of decisions and identify cost-saving opportunities.
  • S10: Liaise and negotiate with suppliers and stakeholders to ensure the timely delivery of purchased goods and services.
  • S11: Support contract award and briefing of suppliers in line with the organisations processes and governance.
  • S12: Monitor and manage contract performance to meet time, costs, service, and quality objectives.
  • S13: Manage contract performance and advise suppliers on any areas for improvement.
  • S14: Maintain contract documentation such as change control, version control.
  • S15: Use IT and software to produce spreadsheets and presentation packages to communicate information.
  • S16: Identify, raise, and facilitate discussions with stakeholders to resolve any issues or risks.
  • S17: Analyses sustainability challenges and risks at each stage of the product or contract life cycle.
  • S18: Manage information in accordance with policy and processes.
  • S19: Continuously review work processes to identify and eliminate inefficiencies and simplify workflow.

S20: Use available systems and tools to identify relevant data.

S21: Interpret, analyse, and evaluate data through questioning to drive actionable intelligence and support decision making.

S22: Use horizon scanning to identify future changes in procurement and contracting.

Behaviours


Behaviours (B)– The professional attitudes and values expected in the workplace. These include teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, and ethical responsibility.

  • B1: Role models ethical behaviour and practices.
  • B2: Seeks learning opportunities and continuous professional development.
  • B3: Takes responsibility, shows initiative, and is organised.
  • B4: Considers the “big” picture and the detail together.
  • B5: Works flexibly and adapts to circumstances.
  • B6: Works collaboratively with others across the organisation and external stakeholders.
Once an apprentice has completed their apprenticeship, they will be ‘signed off’ by their employer/ provider as ready for end-point assessment of their knowledge and practical capabilities. In most cases, the assessment will be graded and must show the apprentice is fully competent and productive in the occupation.
End Point Assessment consists of:
  • Presentation With Questions
  • Interview Underpinned by Portfolio of Evidence 
  • Case Study Test

The best part of the course was the support provided when preparing for exams and going through KSBs

Q. I am not a resident of England, can I still study this course?
Q. What are the benefits of apprenticeships?
Q. Is Procurement and Supply a good career?
Q. What is the salary of an apprentice?
Q. What is an apprenticeship?
Q. Can I train locally?
Q. Why choose Fareport as your Training Provider?
Q. What is Off-the-Job Training?

Why choose to learn with Fareport Training?

Fareport Training was established in 1981 in order to offer young people a route into work through work based training. In 2014 the business was purchased with support from entrepreneur Theo Paphitis by Natalie Cahill and Marinos Paphitis. Since then we have been building on Fareport’s excellent reputation for high quality training and delivering training and apprenticeships across England. We are proud to offer:

  • Expert-Led Instruction: Gain insights from industry leaders and seasoned professionals.
  • Cutting-Edge Curriculum: Stay ahead with the latest trends, tools, and techniques.
  • Flexible Learning Options: Balance your education with your professional and personal life.

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