Procurement Assistant

CATS Global Schools; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

CATS Global Schools, a leading education group, is seeking a detail-oriented Procurement Assistant to join their procurement team. The ideal candidate will support procurement processes, build stakeholder relationships, and contribute to cost efficiency. This hybrid role based in Cambridge requires exceptional communication and organizational skills, with a strong analytical mindset and a proactive attitude.

Benefits

Cycle to work Scheme

Tech Scheme

Car Scheme

Free flu vaccine through Healthshield

Free eye tests

Financial wellbeing support via WageStream

Employee Assistance Programme

Group income protection

GP Access for all

Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay

Qualifications

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data analysis.
• Positive attitude with problem-solving abilities.
• Experience in stakeholder relationship building.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the procurement of goods and services.
• Support Group Procurement Manager in managing supplier relationships.
• Coordinate with internal departments for smooth delivery of customer orders.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Organisational skills

Analytical mindset

Communication skills

Stakeholder relationship building

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Excel

Job description

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ABOUT CATS GLOBAL SCHOOLS (CGS)
CATS Global Schools is a leading education group committed to inspiring the next generation of world shapers.

With a history dating back to 1899, but a focus on the future, our group brings together 16 institutions comprising independent boarding schools, an Arts University College, English language schools and a variety of summer programmes in the UK, US, Canada and China.

Each year, we provide 18,000 students around the globe with the education they need to develop real-life skills for the future. We are dedicated to academic excellence and our students benefit from our well-developed links to over 40 top global universities.

We create a positive learning environment where every student is empowered to make a contribution to shape their world. This is made possible because of the commitment of our pioneering, persevering people who do the very best for our students.

ROLE OVERVIEW
We are currently seeking a detail-oriented, proactive & customer focussed Procurement Assistant to join our procurement team. The ideal candidate will assist in the procurement process, ensuring the timely acquisition of goods and services as required for our operations. This role involves assisting with the day-to-day procurement operations, ensuring compliance with procurement policies, maintaining excellent stakeholder relationships, and ensuring that goods and services are purchased at the best value.

We are looking for someone with general knowledge in procurement and a willingness to learn. You will have excellent communication and organisational skills. This role requires an individual who is highly analytical and capable of prioritising multiple projects at once. For this role, we're keen to bring in someone who is resilient and driven by continues improvement mindset. Also, effective and highly adaptable communicator with strong interpersonal and relationship building skills. Furthermore, capable of maintaining a collaborative and professional approach in all stakeholder and supplier relationships.

This will be a hybrid working model and you will be required to be based at our Head Office in Cambridge 2-3 days per week.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities will include but not limited to:

Assist in the procurement of goods and services, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
Coordinate with internal departments to ensure smooth delivery of customer orders.
Support the Group Procurement Manager in managing supplier relationships and resolving any issues that may arise.
Identifying opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvement
Support the preparation of request for quotations (RFQs), and tender documentation.
Obtain quotations for goods and services ensuring compliance with CGS procurement policy.
Analyse spend data to help make informed procurement decisions.
Assist in preparing reports on procurement activities and performance metrics.
Assist in evaluating supplier performance and developing relationships with key suppliers.
Coordinate with business stakeholders for the review and approval of contract renewals and new agreements, ensuring all contracts are saved in the designated contract folder.
Maintain and regularly update the contract register to ensure accuracy.
Prepare and distribute monthly contract expiration reports to budget holders and contract managers.
Maintain and regularly update the savings, RFQ, Tender, Waiver and the Risk trackers to ensure accuracy.
Support the identification of procurement risks by conducting due diligence on current and potential suppliers and assist in implementing risk mitigation solutions.
Support the Group Procurement Manager in managing insurance and utilities related queries.
Collaborate with the business stakeholders on all procurement related matters.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

To be successful in this role, you should be able to demonstrate:

General negotiation skills with the ability to influence stakeholders effectively.
Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise and multitask.
High level attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
A positive & proactive attitude, able to think outside the box to problem solve and work efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
Initiative in identifying issues and opportunities for improvement in procurement processes.
Stakeholder collaborative relationship building skills.
Both a strategic and analytical mind-set.
Excellent communication skills and strong listening skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data analysis and reporting.
Willingness to learn and adapt to new systems, processes and environments.
The willingness and ability to travel as required.

BENEFITS
Cycle to work Scheme
Tech Scheme
Car Scheme
Free flu vaccine through Healthshield
Free eye tests
Financial wellbeing support via WageStream
Employee Assistance Programme
Group income protection
GP24: GP Access for all
Health Cash Plan
Death in Service
Long service awards
Employee referral scheme
Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay

OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY
We are committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging. Building on our core values Pioneering, Persevering, People We pledge to deliver a series of events, guest speakers and focus groups to make CATS Global Schools and employer of choice for all.

SAFEGUARDING
CGS is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and well-being of children and young people. As such, appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of safer recruitment employment checks in line with KCSIE guidelines. This will include satisfactory references, enhanced DBS from the Disclosures and Barring Service and, where applicable, any international equivalent being obtained. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online checks which may include social media.