Operations Lead – Procurement and Projects
Operations Lead – Procurement and Projects

Operations Lead – Procurement and Projects

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead operations in procurement and projects for a multi-academy trust.
  • Company: Join Derby Diocesan Academy Trust, dedicated to high-quality education.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and hybrid working options.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on education while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in project management and strong interpersonal skills required.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent professional development opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Closing date Sunday 25 January 2026 at midnight

Role Overview

Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT) are recruiting an experienced Operations Lead (Procurement and Projects) who will bring further enthusiasm and drive to the leadership of the Trust’s Operations function. We are excited to be advertising this new role to work as an integral part of our Central Team. Building on the introduction of new Trust wide systems and MIS, we see this postholder making a significant contribution to the next stage of the Trust’s development and growth with a focus on Project Management and Procurement. DDAT is a Multi Academy Trust that oversees and supports 33 schools across Derbyshire and Derby City. Established in 2014 by the Diocese of Derby, DDAT is committed to providing high quality education for all children in their academies based on clearly established Christian values and principles.

Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic and operational support and guidance across the Trust.
  • Demonstrate the ability to support, challenge, and work in co-production with senior colleagues and executive teams on all aspects of ICT and Data.
  • Have experience of effectively managing a complex and varied workload.
  • Be results-oriented, motivated by goals and be driven to achieve those goals.
  • Display excellent leadership interpersonal skills when dealing with a range of stakeholders with empathy and purpose.

Benefits

In return, DDAT will offer you:

  • An opportunity to work as part of a supportive team and empower you to further develop the Trust.
  • A competitive salary and LGPS pension contributions.
  • Opportunity for Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs).
  • Ongoing high quality professional development opportunities.
  • A generous annual leave entitlement.
  • Hybrid working with the opportunity to work from the office in Bakewell, home and the DDAT schools across the Trust.

Benefits including but not limited to: Free onsite parking at Bakewell Head Office, Cycle to Work Scheme, free eye tests and a contribution towards a pair of glasses for employees using VDU’s, Employee Assistance Programme & an opportunity to work flexibly.

DDAT welcomes a diverse population of both children and staff and is committed to promoting and developing equality of opportunity in all its functions. DDAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, online checks, pre-employment and Disclosure Barring Service checks. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare any cautions, convictions, reprimands and final warnings that are not protected (i.e. that are not filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020).

How to Apply

To apply, please use our online platform: DDAT application form. We will only accept applications made via the DDAT application form linked above. Please note that we will not consider CVs as part of the shortlisting. If you have any questions about this post, please contact the HR team via email at hr@ddat.org.uk. For more detailed discussions, a call with the CEO can be facilitated. Please note that all candidates must have a right to work in the UK in order to be able to work at our Trust. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for international job applicants.

Interview

Interview date: February 2026 (date to be confirmed)

Operations Lead – Procurement and Projects employer: East Midlands Jobs

Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment that empowers employees to contribute meaningfully to the education sector. With competitive salaries, generous benefits including hybrid working options, and a strong commitment to professional development, DDAT fosters a culture of growth and inclusivity, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of children across Derbyshire and Derby City.
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Contact Detail:

East Midlands Jobs Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Operations Lead – Procurement and Projects

Tip Number 1

Get to know the Trust! Research Derby Diocesan Academy Trust and its values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.

Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the culture and what the hiring team is really looking for.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to procurement and project management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the only way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re following instructions, which is a great first impression!

We think you need these skills to ace Operations Lead – Procurement and Projects

Project Management
Procurement
Strategic Support
Operational Guidance
Leadership Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Complex Workload Management
Results-Oriented
Goal-Driven
Empathy
Co-production with Senior Colleagues
ICT Knowledge
Data Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in an Operations Lead and how your experience aligns with our needs.

Use Our Online Application Form: Remember, we only accept applications through our online platform. So, skip the CVs and get your details filled out on the DDAT application form linked in the job ad. It’s straightforward and helps us keep everything organised!

Showcase Your Skills: When filling out the application, highlight your relevant skills and experiences, especially in project management and procurement. We want to see how you can contribute to our Trust's growth and development.

Ask Questions if You're Unsure: If anything about the role or application process is unclear, don’t hesitate to reach out to our HR team via email. We're here to help you through the process and want to make sure you have all the info you need!

How to prepare for a job interview at East Midlands Jobs

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you understand the role of Operations Lead in Procurement and Projects. Familiarise yourself with DDAT's mission, values, and the specific challenges they face. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your leadership and interpersonal skills. Think about times when you've successfully managed a team or project, especially in a complex environment. Be ready to discuss how you can support and challenge senior colleagues effectively.

Demonstrate Results Orientation

Since the role is results-oriented, come prepared with specific examples of how you've achieved goals in previous positions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and clearly illustrate your impact.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the Trust's future projects, their approach to procurement, or how they measure success in this role. It shows you're engaged and thinking critically about how you can fit into their team.

Operations Lead – Procurement and Projects
East Midlands Jobs
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