Procurement & Contracts Lead - Learning Academy Partnership

Procurement & Contracts Lead - Learning Academy Partnership

Full-Time 37800 - 46200 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead procurement projects and manage contracts to enhance educational services.
  • Company: Join Learning Academy Partnership, a values-led organisation focused on community impact.
  • Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension scheme, and 24/7 support for your wellbeing.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in education while developing your procurement expertise.
  • Qualifications: Experience in procurement and contract management, ideally in public or education sectors.

The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.

This is a new opportunity for an experienced procurement professional to join Learning Academy Partnership and play a key role in delivering value for money, compliance and high quality services across our community of schools.

Working as part of our Business Support Team, you will lead procurement and contract management activity, ensuring that procurement processes are robust, compliant and deliver the best possible outcomes for our schools, colleagues and communities.

This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact by helping us maximise resources so that more can be invested in improving educational outcomes for children.

You'll work closely with senior leaders, budget holders and suppliers to manage a programme of procurement projects, deliver competitive tender exercises, improve contract management arrangements and identify opportunities for cost savings and service improvement.

We're proud to hold Silver Investors in People accreditation, reflecting our commitment to creating a workplace where colleagues feel valued, supported and able to flourish.

Joining us means becoming part of a values-led organisation where collaboration, continuous improvement and making a positive difference are at the heart of everything we do.

What You'll Do Working across our organisation, you will

  • Lead and deliver procurement projects and tender exercises, ensuring they are completed on time and in line with procurement regulations and organisational policies.
  • Manage the procurement process from initial planning and specification development through to contract award and implementation.
  • Review existing contracts and identify opportunities to improve value for money, service quality and operational efficiency.
  • Develop positive relationships with colleagues, suppliers and stakeholders, providing expert advice and support throughout the procurement lifecycle.
  • Support effective contract management and supplier performance monitoring to ensure services meet agreed expectations.
  • Contribute to strong governance, risk management and continuous improvement through accurate reporting, compliance and best practice procurement.

Passionate about delivering excellent services and value for money that ultimately support the best outcomes for children and communities.

  • Professionally qualified in procurement, or working towards a recognised qualification such as CIPS.
  • Experienced in leading procurement and tendering activities within a public sector, education or other regulated environment.
  • Knowledgeable about procurement legislation, contract management and good governance practices.
  • A confident communicator who can build strong relationships, influence stakeholders and provide clear advice and guidance.
  • Organised, analytical and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high standards of accuracy and compliance.
  • Committed to continuous improvement, professional integrity and working collaboratively with others to achieve shared goals., If you're an experienced procurement professional looking for an opportunity to lead, influence and make a difference within a values-led organisation, we'd love to hear from you.

Our work is guided by four core beliefs
An opportunity to make a significant impact across a growing organisation.

  • A varied and rewarding role with strategic influence.
  • The chance to lead meaningful procurement and contract management activity that supports excellent educational provision.
  • A supportive and collaborative working environment.
  • A commitment to colleague wellbeing and work-life balance.
  • Family-friendly policies and colleague benefits, including our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
  • Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays.
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr

Procurement & Contracts Lead - Learning Academy Partnership employer: Devon County Council

Devon County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises collaboration and professional development. As a Lead Approved Mental Health Professional, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on mental health services while benefiting from a strong commitment to employee growth and well-being in a vibrant community setting.

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Contact Details:

Devon County Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Procurement & Contracts Lead - Learning Academy Partnership

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 Devon County Council.

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 Procurement & Contracts Lead - Learning Academy Partnership

Procurement Management
Contract Management
Tendering Activities
Compliance with Procurement Regulations
Value for Money Analysis
Stakeholder Engagement
Supplier Performance Monitoring

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 Devon County Council:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Devon County Council. 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 Devon County Council.

How to prepare for a job interview at Devon County Council

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 Devon County Council!

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 Devon County Council. 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 Devon County Council's culture.