Closing Date
2026-07-30
Apprentice Commercial Specialist (Quantity Surveyor)
Location:Falmer,Sussex– Hybrid Approach
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday - Friday
Salary: £25,000
Find your purpose. Shape your future. Build a career that matters.
We're looking for an Apprentice Commercial Specialist to join our Commercial team and help support major projects across Southern Water.
This is an exciting opportunity to earn while you learn, gaining hands-on experience while studying towards a Quantity Surveying degree with the University of Brighton.
Workingunder experienced Commercial Managers, you'll learn how to manage project costs, support contracts, analyse data and help deliver value across large infrastructure projects.
No previous commercial experience is required. We'll provide the training, support and mentoring you need to succeed
What you'll be doing
Supporting project cost planning and budgeting
Helping to manage contracts and suppliers
Analysing data and producing reports
Supporting commercial audits and reviews
Working with Project Managers and other teams to help deliver successful projects
Learning about procurement, cost management and contract administration
Training and development
You'll combine practical work experience with academic study, developing the skills needed for a successful career in Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying.
During the programme you'll:
Attend the University of Brighton one day per week
Gain experience across different areas of the business
Develop skills in cost management, contracts and procurement
Build communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills
On successful completion, you'll achieve a Bachelor's degree and work towards becoming a Chartered Surveyor through RICS.
Who we're looking for
We're looking for someone who is curious, organised and keen to learn.
You'll need:
GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above
A Levels meeting the University of Brighton entry requirements (typically BBC to CCC including Maths)
Good Microsoft Office skills, including Excel.
The right to work in the UK
A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle, as travel to sites will be required
Career progression
Following successful completion of the apprenticeship, there may be opportunities to progress intoAssistantCommercialManager, Commercial Manager and Senior Commercial Manager roles.
Recruitment process
We're excited to hear from people with a range of experiences and backgrounds. If you're interested in this opportunity, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
As we're working towards a September programme start and have a defined recruitment timeline, this vacancy may close earlier than advertised if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. To avoid missing out, we recommend submitting your application as soon as you can.
Our recruitment process will include:
We're aiming for the successful candidate to start on 21 September 2026, although this date may be subject to change.
If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. We're committed to creating an inclusive experience where everyone has the opportunity to demonstrate their potential.
Ready to get started?
Apply now to join our Commercial Apprenticeship Programme and build valuable skills, gain a degree qualification and start a rewarding career with Southern Water.
We are one of the largest water and wastewater companies in the South East of England and thrive on the passion and hard work of more than 2,000 employees.
Together we supply 532 million litres of drinking water every day to more than two million customers and treat and recycle 717 million litres of wastewater for more than four million customers in Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Water is essential to every aspect of our lives and we're proud to be at the heart of managing water and wastewater services. We drink it, cook with it and use it to clean. Our water supply faces big challenges - the population of the South East is growing fast, and climate change is bringing greater risk of droughts and more extreme weather. It’s a future of more people needing water and wastewater services, with less water to go around.
So, together with our customers and communities, we aim to provide a sustainable, high-quality water and wastewater service that helps us create a resilient future for water in the South East.
Find out more about us:
Website: www.southernwater.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SouthernWater
Twitter: @SouthernWater
Instagram: @southernwatermedia
We use market research tools to improve our service. For more info, visit: https://www.southernwater.co.uk/our-customers/privacy
