Procurement Manager

Summary:

Procurement Manager needed for a high-performing multi-academy trust. Lead end-to-end procurement processes and drive commercial excellence.

About the School:

The school is dedicated to breaking the link between poverty and academic underperformance, offering a supportive and collaborative environment where all children can excel regardless of background.

The Opportunity:

As a Procurement Manager, you will lead the trust’s end-to-end procurement lifecycle, ensuring compliance with public procurement legislation and delivering strong value for money. This role is central to shaping the trust’s procurement strategy and supporting its mission to provide excellence in education.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead compliant procurement processes for high-value goods and services across the trust.
• Develop and deliver a procurement strategy that embeds innovation, sustainability, and social value.
• Manage and maintain the trust’s forward procurement pipeline and contract register.
• Provide expert commercial advice and training to staff involved in procurement.
• Undertake procurement assurance work, including internal audits and annual reporting.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers and represent the trust in procurement networks.
• Ensure all procurement activity meets legal, regulatory, and internal governance standards.
• Support major commercial agreements and continuous improvement of procurement systems.

Qualifications & Skills:

Required

• Experience leading complex, high-value procurements from end-to-end.
• In-depth knowledge of public sector procurement, including frameworks, tendering, and contract mobilisation.
• Strong understanding of the Procurement Act 2023, DfE Buying for Schools guidance, and Academy Trust Handbook.
• Commercial acumen and confidence in managing suppliers, contracts, and negotiations.
• Ability to build strong internal and external relationships and maintain audit-ready standards.
• Strong organisational skills and commitment to compliance and governance.

Preferred

• Experience with procurement systems and tools to improve processes and efficiency.
• Background in education or public sector procurement.
• Knowledge of sustainability and social value in procurement practices.
• Experience in training and mentoring procurement staff.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Membership of the local government pension scheme.
• Continued investment in professional development and career growth.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme for confidential support.
• £2,000 Cycle to Work scheme.