How the Shell Graduate Programme for Procurement Prepares You for a Supply Chain Career

Did you know that supply chain roles are among the top in-demand positions globally? It comes as no surprise since they’re the backbone of international commerce. The size of the supply chain management market is projected to grow at a rate of 11.1% from 2023 to 2033.

For you, this means opportunities for a solid career in supply chain and procurement. Still, many graduates struggle to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and hands-on experience: that’s where you might benefit from a graduate programme.

Shell Graduate Programme for Procurement is designed as a launchpad for aspiring supply chain experts. Read on to find out more about this programme.

Shell Graduate Programme for Procurement: An overview

Shell Graduate Programme for Procurement sets itself apart as a dynamic pathway into contracting and procurement where you can enjoy the flexibility of rotational assignments while working closely with your mentors.

Through the two 18-month rotations, you’ll contribute to innovative strategies to help us stay competitive in a global market and work on energy solutions of today and tomorrow.

Your responsibilities might include working with suppliers and managers, analysing business intelligence, developing cost models, and helping us implement more efficient procurement strategies. As you rotate your duties, you’ll keep learning and gaining experience in areas like contract management, supplier relationship management, and more.

Learning and development

First and foremost, the Shell Graduate Programme for Procurement is all about structured learning and development to help you accelerate your journey from a fresh graduate to a seasoned professional.

A good programme should teach you beyond what you might have learned at the university. While there will still be formal training, there’s a lot more hands-on experience and mentorship.

Career growth opportunities

Shell Graduate Programme for Procurement offers a faster track to leadership and other senior roles.

You’ll be exposed to the various aspects of the supply chain from the get-go, from strategic planning to execution, which will help you identify your strengths in different areas and identify those that align with your career goals.

This is a faster path to choose over a traditional entry-level position where you’re locked to certain duties, vastly limiting your exposure to other relevant aspects of the industry.

Networking and mentorship

A massive benefit of procurement graduate programmes over formal education is the way they connect you with industry experts throughout the curriculum. Instead of studying textbooks or other resources on your own for a final exam, you get to observe and even assist experienced managers as they show you the ropes.

This can also unlock a priceless asset for your career: networking. A solid network can open new doors for excellent opportunities and take your career to the next level.

Building a competitive edge in a global market

In today’s interconnected economy, supply chain expertise is in high demand, but it can be tough to stand out in such a competitive field.

But through your tenure in a graduate programme, you’ll learn and develop the skills it takes to thrive in a global market, especially with Shell, as we operate worldwide.

Strategic sourcing

Strategic sourcing isn’t just about finding the lowest price. It’s about developing long-term, value-driven relationships with suppliers, and finding them is key for business.

You’ll learn how to analyse market trends and use that information to identify potential suppliers, as well as evaluate their compatibility with business goals.

Strategic sourcing fits with our sustainability goals at Shell, as it includes developing sustainable and ethical procurement practices, so you’ll be considering environmental and social factors alongside cost and quality.

Supplier relationship management

Supplier relationship management (SRM) is the process of evaluating your suppliers and vendors for your company. It’s another crucial aspect of procurement that you’ll learn better through the programme, since you’ll be working with real suppliers while trying to optimise their performance.

Contract management

You’ll also learn everything about contract management, from the initial draft to the negotiations and execution. This will also give you a glimpse into the legal and commercial aspects of a contract, help you understand contract terms and conditions, and how to deal with variations and disputes.

Data analysis

Data analysis is at the heart of any decision-making endeavour, and procurement is no exception. That’s why you’ll learn to collect, clean, and analyse data from different sources, including market trends and supplier performance data. You’ll use what you learn to identify cost-saving strategies and optimise inventory levels, alongside other duties.

Risk management

Supply chains are exposed to several risks, such as price volatility and supplier disruptions, and you’ll learn how to identify, assess, and mitigate these risks.

Financial management

Financial management in procurement is all about understanding how your purchasing decisions could affect the business.

There’s a lot to learn here, such as developing and analysing cost models and evaluating supplier proposals. You’ll also learn to forecast, budget, and report financial transactions related to procurement.

The Shell Graduate Programme for Procurement equips you with a strong foundation for a diverse range of positions in supply chain management. Here are some of the positions to keep an eye on once you graduate:

• Category manager: Develop and implement sourcing strategies for specific categories of goods or services.
• Contract manager: Draft, negotiate, and manage contracts with suppliers while ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Sourcing specialist: Identify and evaluate suppliers and improve the sourcing process.
• Supplier relationship manager: Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and ensure that deliveries are smooth.
• Procurement analyst: Determine needed supply, evaluate supplier performance, negotiate prices and purchasing terms, and oversee contracts.
• Delivery fulfilment analyst: Optimise the delivery process to minimise operational costs and improve efficiency.

Ready to launch your procurement career with Shell? The application process is designed to identify top talent, so preparation is key.

First, read more about the Shell Graduate Programme to understand its structure and benefits.

Once you’re ready, you can submit your online application, where you’ll go through two stages before receiving an offer. The first stage is the virtual job try-out, where we’ll simulate real-world challenges to assess your problem-solving skills. After that, there’s the on-demand interview; we’ll give you time to prepare for it and record your responses. Overall, the first stage should take around 40 minutes.

If you complete this stage, then it’s time for the final assessment. Here, you’ll complete a virtual case study session with two Shell employees, but we’ll give you all the learning material beforehand. Afterwards, you’ll go through a virtual interview with the same two employees so we can get to know you better.

Once you’ve completed both stages, you might receive an offer to join the Shell Graduate Programme.

Shell Graduate Programme for Procurement is more than a learning journey - it’s an opportunity to collaborate with others and grow as a professional in supply chain management through hands-on experience and mentorship.

At Shell, we’re committed to fostering a healthy and inclusive learning environment built on our core values of honesty, integrity, and respect. We believe it’s how we can create a productive and priceless experience not just in the programme, but in the company as a whole.

If you fit the bill and want to take the next step, apply to the Shell Graduate Programme today and kickstart your career in the procurement industry!