At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies to ensure value for money and quality services for schools.
- Company: Join Ark, an education charity dedicated to providing great education for all children.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 27 days annual leave, and access to professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to improving lives through education.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your career in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement leadership and strong supplier management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
About The Role
The Head of Procurement will be responsible for ensuring that the Ark network achieves value for money in all areas of significant spend. They will implement effective procurement solutions that ensure pupils and staff are able to access equipment and services that meet their needs, are compliant with public sector procurement rules and provide value for money.
Own and deliver the Trust’s procurement strategy, defining which categories of spend are best managed centrally and which are delegated to schools.
Identify and deliver significant savings by providing procurement solutions across all areas of material spend while improving service quality and outcomes for schools.
Oversee all procurement tenders over £50,000, supporting and training schools to manage their own tenders where appropriate, whilst being responsible for central tenders over £50,000.
Supplier, contract and framework management
Lead on key supplier management, including overseeing the control of new suppliers and the development of strategies to help manage preferred supplier networks throughout the group.
Stakeholder engagement and network leadership
Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders including senior leaders in schools and central teams, suppliers and customers, acting as a trusted adviser on procurement matters.
Represent the Trust externally, including participation in MAT procurement networks to look at ways large MATs can work together to share best practice.
Manage and develop the Procurement team, setting clear priorities and performance expectations.
Report on procurement savings and efficiencies, including annual reporting to the Risk & Audit Committee and termly updates to the Management Team.
Qualifications and Experience
- MCIPS or other relevant qualification in Procurement and Supply (Desirable)
- Significant experience in procurement leadership, ideally within a multi-site public sector, charity or education environment.
- Strong background in supplier relationship and contract management.
- Experience managing and developing a procurement team.
Flexible Working Model
Our flexible working model offers the best of both worlds, balancing in‑person collaboration, either in our state‑of‑the‑art West London office or through visits to our schools, with the flexibility of remote working.
In addition to flexible working arrangements, employees can request to work fully remotely for up to 10 working days a year, whether this be in the UK or abroad.
Our flexitime policy allows you to work your hours around our core hours of 10.00 - 16.00, helping you prioritise your work-life balance and personal commitments.
27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising with each year of service up to 30 days after 3-years’ service. This entitlement is pro rata for part time employees. This entitlement excludes bank holidays.
Full office closure between Christmas and New Year.
As an Ark employee, you will have the opportunity to be part of the TPT (The Pension Trust) scheme, our workplace pension scheme where we make an 11% contribution; Depending on your role you may also be entitled to LGPS which is a defined benefit scheme where you contribute a percentage based on how much you earn (as do we) in exchange for a guaranteed amount in your pension pot every year.
Access to high-quality professional learning throughout your career, offering both face-to-face sessions and a bespoke online learning platform.
Access to Ark Rewards scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers, interest-free loans available for season tickets or a bike, gym discounts offering up to 40% off your local gym and free eye tests.
Ark is an education charity that exists to make sure that all children, regardless of their background, have access to a great education and real choices in life. Our network of 39 schools reaches traditionally underserved communities in Birmingham, Hastings, London and Portsmouth. We educate 30,000 pupils and have nearly 3,000 teaching staff across our network.
We also incubate and scale innovative ventures, which we roll out beyond our network of schools for the benefit of teachers, pupils and the education system as a whole. Current Ventures include Ark Curriculum Plus, which equips teachers with the subject expertise needed to ensure students succeed, and Ark Start, a growing chain of nurseries offering affordable, high-quality early years education.
EdCity is designed to bring mission-aligned organisations together to focus on improving the lives of children, especially through education. It offers leased offices, a range of venues for training and events, and an innovation hub for the education sector to connect, collaborate and learn together.
Diversity and Inclusion
To know more about Ark’s diversity and inclusion commitments, please click on this link.
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.
Immediate Procurement Manager in London employer: Ark Schools
ARK SCHOOLS is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff, offering competitive salaries above the main pay scale and extensive training opportunities. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and a vibrant work culture, employees are encouraged to inspire students through engaging lessons in a supportive environment. This role not only allows for personal fulfilment but also contributes to a meaningful educational experience for students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Immediate Procurement Manager in London
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Ark Schools.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Immediate Procurement Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Ark Schools:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Ark Schools. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Ark Schools.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ark Schools
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Ark Schools!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Ark Schools. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Ark Schools's culture.
