At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and drive value for money across the college.
- Company: Join Croydon College Group, a vibrant and inclusive educational institution.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension schemes, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while shaping procurement excellence.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification and strong procurement experience required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Contract: Permanent, Full Time (1.0 FTE)
Location: Croydon Campus
Creating Great Futures
Croydon College Group is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Procurement to lead and develop our procurement function, ensuring best value, compliance, and outstanding support for our students, staff, and wider college community. This is an exciting opportunity for a procurement professional with strong leadership capabilities to shape procurement strategy, drive commercial value, and ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and public sector procurement requirements.
Working closely with the Executive Team and senior stakeholders, you will provide expert procurement advice, lead high‑value tenders and contract negotiations, and develop a culture of procurement excellence across the College.
About the Role
As Head of Procurement, you will:
- Lead the strategic development of procurement across the College.
- Develop and implement procurement policies, procedures, and supply chain strategies.
- Deliver end‑to‑end procurement and tendering activities across Estates, Capital Projects, Digital & Technology, Professional Services, and Education & Training.
- Drive value for money, financial resilience, and operational efficiencies.
- Provide expert guidance on procurement law, contract management, supplier performance, and commercial risk.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with procurement legislation, audit requirements, and governance frameworks.
- Produce procurement reports, spend analysis, and supplier performance metrics for senior leadership.
- Lead supplier negotiations and develop robust supplier relationship management practices.
About You
We are looking for a highly motivated procurement leader who can demonstrate:
- Degree‑level qualification or equivalent.
- Membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) or equivalent professional body.
- Strong knowledge of procurement legislation, governance, and compliance requirements.
- Experience managing high‑value tenders and contracts.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Proven ability to influence senior leaders and drive organisational change.
- Strong commercial awareness and analytical skills.
- Experience within the public sector or education sector.
- Experience developing procurement strategies and supply chain initiatives.
- Experience coaching and developing teams.
Why Join Croydon College Group?
At Croydon College Group, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and rewarding workplace where colleagues can thrive and make a real difference to students' lives. Benefits include:
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Defined benefit pension schemes
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- IT Salary Sacrifice Scheme
- Season Ticket Loans
- Employee discount schemes including UNIDAYS, TOTUM, and Costco membership
- Access to on‑site Hair & Beauty Salon services
- A vibrant and inclusive working environment
Safeguarding
Croydon College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check and other safer recruitment checks.
Applying
If you are an experienced procurement professional looking to make a strategic impact within a forward‑thinking college group, we would love to hear from you.
Closing Date: 17th July 2026
Interview Date: 28th July 2026
To apply, please visit: Work For Us – Croydon College
Croydon College Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement in Croydon
✨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 Croydon College.
✨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 Head of Procurement in Croydon
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 Croydon College:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Croydon College. 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 Croydon College.
How to prepare for a job interview at Croydon College
✨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 Croydon College!
✨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 Croydon College. 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 Croydon College's culture.
