Procurement Manager

Mission Search; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 54,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Programme

Occasional homeworking

Job summary

Mission Search partners with a large, growing multi-academy trust to appoint a Procurement Manager into its central team in Greater Manchester. This strategic but hands-on role leads the Trust-wide procurement function, shaping strategy, processes and value across 30+ schools.

You will report to the CFO, design the procurement approach, drive compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, and support senior leaders in negotiations, supplier management and savings initiatives.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading complex, high-value procurements from planning through to award.
• Strong knowledge of public procurement legislation and the Procurement Act 2023.
• Experience establishing and managing contracts across goods, services or works.
• Knowledge of public-sector frameworks, tender documentation and evaluation models.

Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing a Trust-wide procurement strategy.
• Leading complex procurement and tendering exercises.
• Ensuring compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and internal procedures.
• Identifying procurement routes including public-sector frameworks and open competition.
• Developing the contract register and forward procurement pipeline.
• Supporting contract negotiations, renewals and supplier-performance reviews.
• Analyzing expenditure, savings, risks and opportunities.
• Producing procurement reports for executives and trustees.
• Advising and training senior staff in procurement best practice.
• Promoting sustainability and responsible procurement.

Skills

Procurement leadership

Public sector procurement

Contract management

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Project management

Analytical skills

Sustainability & social value

Hands-on delivery

Education sector experience

Job description

Procurement Manager – Multi-Academy Trust

£54,000–£55,000 Plus Great Benefits | Permanent | 35 hours per week

Greater Manchester | Occasional homeworking and local travel

Mission Search is partnering with a large and rapidly growing multi-academy trust to appoint a Procurement Manager into its central team.

This is a newly created position offering the opportunity to establish and lead a modern, Trust-wide procurement function. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, you will develop the procurement strategy, introduce robust systems and processes, and help the Trust achieve greater value, consistency and compliance across its growing family of schools.

The trust is currently at 30+ schools, and has significant growth plans over the next several years, so it is a great chance to join at an exciting part of their journey.

The opportunity

This is a strategic but hands-on position. You will take ownership of procurement activity from initial planning and market engagement through to tender evaluation, contract award and supplier management.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and implementing a Trust-wide procurement strategy
• Leading complex and high-value procurement and tendering exercises
• Ensuring compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, Academy Trust Handbook and internal financial procedures
• Identifying the most appropriate procurement routes, including public-sector frameworks, dynamic markets and open competition
• Developing the Trust’s contract register and forward procurement pipeline
• Supporting contract negotiations, renewals and supplier-performance reviews
• Analysing expenditure, savings, commercial risks and opportunities
• Producing procurement reports and insight for executive leaders and trustees
• Advising and training headteachers, school business managers and central-team colleagues
• Promoting sustainability, social value and responsible procurement
• Supporting the identification and development of external funding and grant opportunities

You will work closely with colleagues across finance, operations, estates and IT, as well as senior leaders throughout the Trust’s schools.

About you

We are looking for an established procurement professional who combines strong public-sector knowledge with the confidence to build a function and influence senior stakeholders.

You should have:

• Significant experience of leading complex, high-value procurement exercises from planning through to contract award
• Strong working knowledge of public procurement legislation and the Procurement Act 2023
• Experience establishing and managing contracts across goods, services or works
• Knowledge of public-sector frameworks, tender documentation and evaluation models
• Strong commercial, analytical, negotiation and project-management skills
• The ability to develop effective relationships with senior leaders, operational colleagues and suppliers
• A proactive and collaborative approach, with the willingness to remain involved in hands‑on delivery

Procurement experience gained within education or a multi-academy trust would be particularly valuable. However, applications are welcomed from suitably experienced professionals working elsewhere in the public sector or another regulated procurement environment.

Package

• Salary of £54,000–£55,000
• Permanent, all-year-round contract
• 26–31 days’ annual leave, depending on service
• Up to four additional Christmas closure days
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Occasional homeworking
• Professional-development and career-progression opportunities