Procurement and Contract Manager

Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust; Sutton; Hybrid; GBP 49,050 - 52,187; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive training and development

Access to employee assistance programme

Commitment to wellbeing

Generous annual leave

Enrollment in Teachers Pension Scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust in Sutton seeks a Procurement & Contract Manager to shape and deliver procurement strategies across Estates and Facilities Management. Responsibilities include managing tenders, overseeing contract compliance, and supporting senior managers. The ideal candidate will have public sector procurement experience, ideally in education, and be MCIPS qualified or working towards it. This full-time position offers a hybrid work model, with essential office presence and competitive benefits including annual leave and pension schemes.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in public sector procurement and contract management.
• Solid understanding of the upcoming Procurement Act 2024.
• Experience in the education sector is desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head of Procurement in delivering the procurement strategy.
• Manage formal tendering and purchasing for Estates and Facilities Management.
• Expand and maintain the Preferred Supplier List.
• Oversee and manage contract performance.

Skills

Public sector procurement experience

Contract management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (MCIPS)

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

MS Outlook

e-Tendering platforms (e.g., MyTender)

Job description

Salary: Grade PO4, FTE £49,050 to £52,187 per annum, inclusive of London Weighting Allowance

Location: Copthall House, 9 The Pavement, Grove Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 1DA

Working Pattern: This role is a permanent, full-time position working 5 days all year round. It is hybrid, requiring the employee to work from our offices in Sutton at least three days per week and possibly more, subject to business needs. It will also be necessary, on occasion, to visit our academies and colleges across London and the Southeast. The role is based on a 36‑hour per week basis, 8.45am – 4.30pm Monday–Thursday & 8.45am – 4.15pm Friday.

Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust (OHC&AT) is a family of specialist education providers for pupils and students from nursery to further education. We operate across academies and college centres in London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire and support our students with a wide range of learning abilities and additional needs.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Procurement & Contract Manager to join our team and play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering our procurement strategy. Working closely with the Head of Procurement, you will lead on key procurement initiatives across Estates and Facilities Management, including capital works projects and supplier management.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head of Procurement in delivering the procurement strategy, best practices, tools, and guidance aligned to business and operational needs.
• Manage formal tendering and purchasing for Estates and Facilities Management, including capital works projects.
• Expand and maintain the Preferred Supplier List.
• Lead on procurement initiatives, ensuring value for money, cost savings, and exceptional customer service.
• Oversee and manage contract performance, ensuring compliance with SLAs and KPIs.
• Collaborate effectively with senior managers and external contractors.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying new ways of working and innovative procurement solutions.
• Undertake benchmarking, financial and spend analysis, and due diligence checks.
• Manage end‑to‑end procurement processes, including ITTs.
• Provide hands‑on support across various projects within a small team environment.

Key Requirements

• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (MCIPS) or working towards the qualification.
• Strong experience in public sector procurement and contract management (education sector experience desirable but not essential).
• Solid understanding of the upcoming Procurement Act 2024.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and experience with e‑Tendering platforms (e.g., MyTender).
• Strong financial and analytical skills, with the ability to conduct benchmarking and spend analysis.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage senior leaders and contractors.
• Forward‑thinking, open, and positive approach with the ability to work independently.
• Flexible, hands‑on attitude with the ability to support wider team projects when required.

Benefits

• Comprehensive training and development.
• Opportunities to engage with internal professional networks.
• Access to counselling advice and support via Health Assured (our employee assistance programme).
• Commitment to wellbeing supported by our occupational health service and mental‑health first aiders.
• Scope for career progression across nine college centres, 13 academy schools and Central Teams.
• Generous annual leave and flexible working schemes in addition to bank and public holidays and a Christmas closure period.
• Enrollment into the Teachers Pension Scheme (TPS) which has life cover and financial protection for your family.
• Enhanced parental leave schemes.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Season ticket loans.
• Home electronics scheme.
• Employee Car Lease Scheme.

Safeguarding Statement

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all.