At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and manage supplier relationships in a dynamic education environment.
- Company: Join a large multi-site organisation focused on education and public sector procurement.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving compliance and delivering value in procurement.
- Qualifications: MCIPS qualified or working towards it, with experience in public sector procurement.
The predicted salary is between 52187 - 52187 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Procurement & Contracts Manager to join a large multi-site organisation operating across the education and public sector environment. This is an excellent opportunity for a procurement professional who is passionate about delivering value, driving compliance, and developing strategic supplier relationships. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping procurement activity across a diverse estate, supporting major capital projects, facilities management services, and wider organisational procurement requirements.
While this is a permanent position, there is flexibility for the successful candidate to start on a temporary or interim contract basis, with a view to transitioning into the permanent role.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the delivery and continuous improvement of procurement strategy, policies, and best practice.
- Lead procurement and tendering activities across Estates, Facilities Management, and capital projects.
- Manage end-to-end procurement processes, including Invitations to Tender (ITT), supplier evaluation, negotiation, and contract award.
- Develop, maintain, and expand preferred supplier frameworks and approved supplier lists.
- Ensure procurement activities achieve value for money, cost efficiencies, compliance, and high-quality service delivery.
- Monitor and manage supplier performance against agreed service levels and key performance indicators.
- Undertake spend analysis, benchmarking exercises, financial evaluations, and supplier due diligence reviews.
- Build strong working relationships with senior internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
- Identify opportunities for innovation, process improvement, and procurement optimisation.
- Provide hands-on support across a variety of procurement and business improvement projects.
About You
You will be a proactive procurement professional with strong contract management experience and the ability to influence stakeholders across a complex organisation.
Essential Requirements
- MCIPS qualified or actively working towards qualification.
- Proven experience in public sector procurement and contract management.
- Strong understanding of procurement regulations and upcoming legislative changes, including the Procurement Act.
- Experience managing competitive tender processes and supplier relationships.
- Strong analytical and financial skills, including spend analysis and benchmarking.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication abilities.
- Experience using Microsoft Office applications and e-tendering systems.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
Desirable
- Experience within education, local government, healthcare, housing, or other public sector organisations.
- Exposure to estates, facilities management, capital works, or construction-related procurement.
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary of 49,050 – 52,187.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Comprehensive professional development and training opportunities.
- Career progression within a large and growing organisation.
- Enhanced pension scheme.
- Employee wellbeing and assistance programmes.
- Enhanced family-friendly policies.
- Cycle to Work scheme and travel loan options.
- Employee reward and recognition initiatives.
- Access to health, wellbeing, and lifestyle benefits.
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Procurement Manager - Sutton in London employer: Hays
Join a vibrant secondary school that prioritises excellence in education and fosters a supportive community for both students and staff. As the Head of Mathematics, you will benefit from a competitive salary, ongoing professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and growth. This role not only allows you to lead a dedicated team but also to make a significant impact on student achievement in a welcoming environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager - Sutton in London
✨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 Hays.
✨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 Manager - Sutton in London
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 Hays:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Hays. 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 Hays.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨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 Hays!
✨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 Hays. 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 Hays's culture.
