At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor the purchase to pay team while ensuring compliance and best practices.
- Company: Join Dixons Academies Trust, dedicated to challenging educational disadvantage in the North.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commitment to equality, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your career in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in a similar role and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 47182 - 51357 £ per year.
We are seeking to appoint an exceptional Purchase to Pay Manager to join our multi-academy trust (MAT) and support our Business Services team through the next phase of growth in Leeds, Bradford, Greater Manchester and Liverpool. You will join us on a full-time permanent basis and in return, we will offer a competitive salary of £47,182 - £51,357 per annum.
The ideal candidate will:
- Have experience in a similar role
- Have a strong moral purpose and drive for improvement
Why choose Dixons Academies Trust? Our mission is to challenge educational and social disadvantage in the North. As a school trust, we are committed to making a difference where it matters most through delivering exceptional education in our schools in Bradford, Leeds, Liverpool and Greater Manchester, which include primaries, secondaries, all-throughs and a standalone sixth form.
Responsibilities as our Purchase to Pay Manager:
- Live our mission, values and drivers every day.
- Lead, motivate, manage and mentor the purchase to pay team ensuring the smooth running of the service for our trust.
- Create a culture of regulatory understanding, compliance and best practice; ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory and legal requirements, through the design and implementation of policies, processes and procedures.
- Develop and manage relationships with key stakeholders including but not limited to service leads, principals, suppliers, banks, and auditors.
- Lead the management of our trust finance purchasing software, ensuring the system is used effectively and efficiently, processes are robust and all staff can deliver their roles and share best practice.
- Use data, automation and systems to support in the management of workload, workflows and performance.
- Oversee the issuing of sales invoices and ensure appropriate credit control procedures are in place and adhered to.
- Maintain a clean and accurate purchase ledger and sales ledger at all times, including monthly review in line with reporting timelines.
- Act as key driver for the adherence to purchasing and procurement requirements including a focus on delivering value for money, and challenge to stakeholders and budget holders.
What we're looking for in our Purchase to Pay Manager:
- GCSE grade 4 or above in English and mathematics (or equivalent)
- Diploma or degree in accounting and finance
- AAT Level 4, ACCA / CIMA Part Qualified or equivalent
- Values driven
- A minimum of three years' experience supervising staff in a similar role or multi-site environment
- Planning, organising, directing and coordinating work of others, including senior leaders
- Commitment to safeguarding
- Understanding of and interest in academy accounting and the education sector
Interviews will take place on 7 July 2026. If you would like to learn more about our Purchase to Pay Manager role then please click ‘apply' today!
We are committed to equality of opportunity, recruiting a diverse workforce, and creating an inclusive environment for everyone at Dixons. Therefore, we encourage applications from underrepresented communities and irrespective of age, disability, neurodivergent status, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, gender reassignment, sex, or sexual orientation. We are happy to make reasonable adjustments wherever possible through the recruitment process should this be required. We are focused on delivering an ambitious equality, diversity and inclusion strategy. Our trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.
Purchase to Pay Manager employer: Dixons Academy Trust
Dixons Academies Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to challenging educational and social disadvantage in the North, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. As a Purchase to Pay Manager, you will be part of a mission-driven team, with opportunities to lead and mentor while ensuring compliance and best practices across our multi-academy trust. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, we provide a welcoming environment for all staff, making it a rewarding place to contribute to meaningful change in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchase to Pay Manager
✨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 Dixons Academy Trust.
✨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 Purchase to Pay Manager
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 Dixons Academy Trust:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Dixons Academy Trust. 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 Dixons Academy Trust.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dixons Academy Trust
✨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 Dixons Academy Trust!
✨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 Dixons Academy Trust. 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 Dixons Academy Trust's culture.
