Procurement Assistant

ARK SCHOOLS; Greater London; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Ark Schools is seeking a Procurement and Supply Assistant to support the delivery of the procurement strategy across its West London offices. The role is hybrid, reporting to the Procurement Officer, with standard hours from 09:00 to 17:30.

The successful candidate will liaise with Ark Schools' network of schools, manage spend, maintain contracts, and contribute to the work plan while ensuring timely updates to senior management.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 or above (essential).
• Potential to study for the Procurement and Supply Assistant apprenticeship while in role.
• Right to work in the U.K.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with schools to understand procurement and supply requirements and act to meet them.
• Ensure schools have contracts where required and that contracts are reviewed regularly.
• Own the Procurement Workplan and keep the Director of Finance and Procurement updated on key activity.
• Analyse procurement spend with line manager and advise on new network contracts and approved lists.
• Negotiate with suppliers to secure discounts and better terms for schools.

Skills

Administrative skills

Communication skills

Time management

Multi-tasking

MS Office

Education

GCSE English & Maths

Job description

Reports to: Procurement Officer

Location: Currently operating hybrid working in our West London Office

Contract: Permanent

Pattern: Full Time (standard hours 9am – 5.30pm)

First round interviews will take place on 04 September 2026 (online)

As a Procurement and Supply Assistant, you will undertake a range of responsibilities to support the delivery of Ark Schools’ Procurement Strategy. This is a varied and busy role, supporting Ark’s schools on the frontline of their operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Liaise with schools to understand their procurement and supply requirements, and take action to make sure these are met
• Work with schools to ensure that their spend is managed efficiently, that they have contracts in place where required, and that their contracts are subject to regular review
• Own the Procurement Workplan, making sure that key deadlines are met, and that the Director of Finance and Procurement is kept updated on all key procurement activity
• Working with line manager, analyse procurement spend, making recommendations for new network contract and approved lists
• Negotiate with existing suppliers to obtain discounts and improved terms for schools

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong administrative and organisational skills with meticulous attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to work methodically and multi-task
• Ability to manage workload, meet deadlines and prioritise time effectively
• IT Literate; proficient with Microsoft Office applications, especially Word and Excel

Qualification Criteria:

• GCSE passes in English and Maths of grade 4 or above (essential)
• Potential to study for the Procurement and Supply Assistant apprenticeship as part of this role if successful
• Right to work in the U.K.

Safeguarding statement:

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.

Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. To read more about Ark’s safer recruitment process, please click this link.