Strategic Procurement Lead – Education Sector

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

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.