At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Procurement Team in onboarding new academies and managing procurement processes.
- Company: Join a collaborative organisation dedicated to professional development and career growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and a range of employee perks.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a strong commitment to staff wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while developing valuable skills in procurement.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, plus experience in an office environment.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for an Assistant Procurement Officer to provide dedicated administrative and operational support to the Procurement Team on a fixed‑term basis, with a primary focus on the onboarding of new academies into the Trust. You will work closely with the Head of Procurement to support procurement due diligence, data collection, and the structured integration of new academies into the Trust's procurement arrangements, policies, frameworks and systems. The role will also provide proportionate general procurement support during the contract period.
Main Areas of Responsibility
- Providing focused support to the procurement onboarding of new academies during the fixed term period, working directly with the Head of Procurement throughout each onboarding cycle.
- Assisting with procurement due diligence activity, including collecting, collating and maintaining information on:
- existing contracts and suppliers
- spend data and pricing arrangements
- expiry dates, break clauses and key risks
- Supporting the review, organisation and validation of legacy procurement documentation, ensuring records are complete, accurate and suitable for audit and internal assurance purposes.
- Coordinating engagement with new academies, including arranging initial onboarding meetings, site visits and follow up actions linked to procurement integration.
- Supporting the structured onboarding of new academies onto Trust procurement processes, policies, frameworks and systems, ensuring documentation and guidance is clearly prepared and shared.
- Maintaining onboarding trackers, action logs and document repositories, escalating risks, gaps or delays to the Head of Procurement where appropriate.
What We Are Looking For
- A high level of computer literacy with practical knowledge and application of all Microsoft Office applications.
- English and Maths GCSEs at Grade C or above.
- A-Level / BTEC / HND or equivalent/similar with demonstrable experience of an office environment.
- Basic commercial awareness.
- Procurement process knowledge and application.
What We Can Offer You
- Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression.
- Annual performance and loyalty bonus.
- Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution.
- 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts.
- Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare.
- Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice.
- Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme.
- Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts.
- 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees.
- Interest‑free ICT and season ticket loans.
- For most non‑teaching staff based at our Head Office in East Croydon, we also offer lifestyle friendly working arrangements including flexible start and end times, and hybrid working with two days from home and three days on site.
Important Information
Safeguarding Notice
The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.
Equal Opportunities
The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.
Assistant Procurement Officer in Croydon employer: Harris Federation
Harris Federation is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development and career progression. With generous benefits such as a robust pension scheme, annual leave that increases with service, and flexible working arrangements at our Head Office in East Croydon, we ensure our employees feel valued and supported in their roles. Join us to be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the education sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Procurement Officer in Croydon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the procurement field, especially those who work at the Trust or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that Assistant Procurement Officer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your procurement knowledge. Familiarise yourself with common processes and challenges in the field. We want you to shine when discussing how you can support the onboarding of new academies!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your computer skills! Since the role requires a high level of computer literacy, be ready to demonstrate your proficiency in Microsoft Office during interviews. Maybe even bring along a sample of your work to impress them!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at the Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Procurement Officer in Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Assistant Procurement Officer. We want to see how you can support our procurement team, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant examples!
Show Off Your Tech Skills:Since a high level of computer literacy is key for this role, let us know about your experience with Microsoft Office applications. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their tech-savviness, so include any specific tools or software you've used.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your sentences are easy to read and your main points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harris Federation
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of procurement processes and terminology. Familiarise yourself with common terms like due diligence, spend data, and contract management. This will help you speak confidently about your understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since the role involves maintaining onboarding trackers and action logs, be prepared to discuss your organisational skills. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects in the past, highlighting your attention to detail and ability to prioritise.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of situations where you had to coordinate with different stakeholders or manage tight deadlines. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
The role requires collaboration with the Head of Procurement and new academies. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team setting. Highlight your communication skills and willingness to support others, as this aligns with the company's culture of collaboration.
