At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and manage accounts payable for timely payments.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking college with state-of-the-art facilities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent pension schemes, holiday package, and gym access.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while promoting sustainability and social value.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant or AAT Level 4 with management experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
College location: East Surrey College (Redhill) and John Ruskin College (Selsdon)
Hours: Full time (37 hours/week) 08:45-17:00 Monday - Friday
Are you ready to lead our procure-to-pay function and make a real impact? We are seeking a Procurement & Accounts Payable Manager to shape our procurement strategy, negotiate with suppliers, and manage purchase orders, while overseeing accounts payable operations to ensure timely and accurate payments. You will analyse spend, streamline processes, and maintain compliance, all while promoting sustainability and social value whilst training and supporting staff across the organisation.
Reporting to the Director of Finance & MIS, you will ensure efficient purchasing, accurate invoice processing, strong supplier relationships, and compliance with financial controls, while driving process improvements and cost efficiencies.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead procurement strategy, manage suppliers, contracts, and purchase orders
- Analyse spend to drive savings, efficiency, and process improvements
- Ensure compliance with financial controls, HMRC rules, and sustainability goals
- Oversee accounts payable, including invoice processing, approvals, and payments
- Resolve discrepancies, supplier queries, and monitor AP performance
- Train and support staff on procurement and accounts payable best practices
The successful candidate must have:
- Previous experience of working within a finance department
- Qualified Accountant (CCAB/CIMA), or completed AAT Level 4
- Experienced Manager/Supervisor of Transactional Finance Staff
If this sounds like you and you will enjoy working in a forward thinking, friendly, fast paced, changing environment with state of the art facilities, we would love to hear from you. In return, we offer a competitive salary, as well as staff benefits such a choice of two excellent pension schemes, a brilliant holiday package, free onsite parking and access to our fully equipped gym along with discounted in house Spa and Salon treatments.
Applications will however be shortlisted on a rolling basis and we reserve the right to interview and appoint before this closing date. We therefore encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment. As much as we would love to respond to all applicants, due to the sheer volume of applications we receive we are unable to respond to all unsuccessful candidates. If you have not heard from us within 14 days of sending your CV, unfortunately you have not been selected for the position.
Procurement & Accounts Payable Manager in Redhill employer: East Surrey College
Orbital South Colleges Group is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises professional development and student success. With competitive salaries, generous benefits including pension schemes and wellness facilities, and a commitment to diversity and equal opportunities, we create an environment where passionate educators can thrive and make a meaningful impact on learners' lives in the heart of East Surrey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement & Accounts Payable Manager in Redhill
✨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 East Surrey 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 Procurement & Accounts Payable Manager in Redhill
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 East Surrey College:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to East Surrey 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 East Surrey College.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Surrey 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 East Surrey 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 East Surrey 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 East Surrey College's culture.
