Procurement Officer

Education Partnership North East; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave 35–48 days plus

Free parking on most campuses

Free gym access at Bede Campus

Extensive wellbeing support

Pensions (LGPS/Teacher’s scheme)

Job summary

Education Partnership North East (EPNE) is seeking a Procurement Officer to manage operational procurement and ensure timely transactions by the Procurement Administrator. You will work under the Director of Procurement to develop knowledge of Public Sector contracting and regulatory compliance.

The role provides opportunities to progress in procurement, with a strong emphasis on delivering Value for Money and building relationships with internal Finance and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Studying or working towards CIPS Diploma in Procurement and Supply.
• Working knowledge of operating within organisational policies.
• IT skills literate in Microsoft packages (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to plan and prioritise own workload.
• Skills in engineering RFQ, Tender Documents, Sourcing frameworks and benchmarking.
• Ability to provide clear support and advice relating to procurement and organisational planning to stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of e-procurement systems.

Responsibilities

• Support an effective procurement service delivering quality and VfM outcomes.
• Lead on procurement processes and manage tender portfolios for VfM across EPNE.
• Provide guidance and support to Procurement Administrator on trials and evaluations of services and equipment.
• Ensure purchases comply with UK Contracts Regulations and Financial regulations.

Skills

Plan and prioritize workload

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

CIPS Diploma in Procurement and Supply

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

PowerPoint

e-procurement systems

Job description

ClosingDate: 23.59 hours BST on Wednesday 19 August 2026

Reference: 0555-26

About Education Partnership North East (EPNE)

At EPNE our ‘purpose’ is our north star. It is what we expect of ourselves every single day and why we ask all staff to keep our purpose front and centre in all that they do.

Our Purpose is to “unlock potential, create opportunities, and transform lives through outstanding education, skills and training”. Rooted in our transformative power, it communicates our work in tackling inequalities, removing barriers, and improving the life chances of the people and communities we serve.

We nurture our very special culture. Ourunifying values framework “The actions we take the choices we make - The actions I take the choices I make”represent the character of our college group, and are grounded in the belief that every action, by every individual, contributes to our success. This why we encourage empowered individuals, personal accountability and growth.

Building on our remarkable past, creativity and pioneering spirit, we are moving forward with courage into the future, improving what we do, remaining action-orientated, and innovating to make an exceptional difference for the world we live in. Shaping futures for a better tomorrow,join ourchangemakingcommunity now.

Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which EPNE was graded as being Outstanding across all areas -Ofsted-Report-Outstanding

Our Journey & Values

As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.

Education Partnership North East 31 subscribers

The College are looking for an individual who will align with College Values - boldly approach the future with confidence and energy, communicate openly and transparently with integrity. Strive for excellence, show energy and drive to pursue new opportunities and challenge the status quo.

About the Role

The Procurement Officer will have responsibility for operational procurement, ensuring all transactional operations completed by Procurement Administrator are completed in a timely manner.

The experience and knowledge gained will provide a strong foundation level to progress in a procurement related career.

Working as part of the procurement team, under the supervision of colleagues and reporting to the Director of Procurement, the Procurement Officer will develop their knowledge base and apply Public Sector Contracting in line with Public Sector Regulations.

Role Responsibilities

• To support an effective and professional procurement service that delivers both quality and Value for Money (VfM) outcomes.
• Lead on procurement processes engineering tender portfolios to deliver successful contractual outcomes that deliver VfM for all EPNE stakeholders.
• Provide guidance and support to Procurement Administrator of trials and evaluations of services, equipment and achieve best VfM in line with policy and processes.
• Good understanding of the UK Contracts Regulations and be fully conversant with Financial regulations, operational policies and procedures and appropriate legislation to ensure all purchases comply with relevant guidance.
• Develop professional working relationships with the Finance Team and other internal and external stakeholders

Qualifications

• Studying or Working towards CIPS Diploma in Procurement and Supply is desirable.
• Working knowledge of operating within organisational policies
• IT skills literate in Microsoft packages, including Outlook, Word, Excel and Power point
• Ability to Plan and Prioritise own workload
• Skills applicable to engineer RFQ, Tender Documents, Sourcing frameworks, benchmarking
• Ability to provide clear support and advice relating to procurement and organisational planning to a variety of stakeholders (internal and external).
• Working knowledge of e-procurement systems

What’s in it for you?

Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme - depending on role
• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
• Free parking on most campuses.
• Free Gym access available at Bede Campus

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities.

We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply.

As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.

We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

Please contact Katrina Foster, Director of Procurement should you wish to have an informal chat about the role.