At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for Facilities, Real Estate & Construction across the Middle East and Asia.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation focused on education and community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of continuous learning and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in procurement while supporting educational growth and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Extensive procurement experience and strong stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Purpose of Role
Lead procurement across an ISP division across a variety of spend areas, while owning the Facilities, Real Estate & Construction category strategy. The role combines regional procurement leadership, stakeholder partnership and operational support with global category management responsibility for Facilities Management and related professional services. The role drives value, governance, supplier performance, risk management and stakeholder satisfaction while ensuring divisional requirements are effectively represented in wider procurement strategies.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide regional procurement support across a broad range of indirect categories in line with divisional requirements.
- Act as senior procurement business partner for the division.
- Build trusted relationships with executives and school operators.
- Develop divisional procurement plans.
- Support Regional Procurement Leads and procurement transformation.
- Manage supplier escalations, compliance and risk.
Indirects Category Leadership including Facilities, Real Estate & Construction
- Own global category strategies across Facilities Management, Hard FM, Soft FM, Cleaning, Security, Catering, Utilities, Property Services, Real Estate, Capital Projects, Construction and Consultancy Services.
- Develop multi-year category strategies aligned to ISP growth, acquisitions and operational requirements.
- Lead complex sourcing programmes, negotiations and contracting initiatives.
- Deliver measurable savings, cost avoidance, value creation and operational improvements.
- Support procurement associated with new school openings, expansions and refurbishment programmes.
- Lead executive-level supplier relationship management and governance.
- Partner with Property, Finance, Legal and Operations leaders.
- Drive demand management, sustainability and whole-life cost optimisation.
Skills, Qualifications And Experience
- Demonstrated ability to operate as a strategic procurement business partner, balancing stakeholder priorities with commercial, risk and governance outcomes.
- Extensive procurement experience within multinational organisations.
- Strong indirect procurement experience with exposure to FM, Property, Construction or Capital Projects desirable.
- Experience supporting capital projects, operational services or business-critical procurement programmes desirable.
- Executive stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Strong business partnering, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills across complex, decentralised organisations.
- MCIPS, FCIPS or equivalent preferred.
ISP Principles
- Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.
- Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.
- Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.
- Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.
- Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.
ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles
ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.
ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.
ISP Divisional Procurement Lead – Middle East & Asia in London employer: International Schools Partnership
International Schools Partnership (ISP) is an exceptional employer that values innovation and collaboration, offering a dynamic work culture where your contributions directly impact the education sector. With opportunities for professional growth and development, particularly in finance systems, you will thrive in a supportive environment located in vibrant Wimbledon, London, known for its rich community and accessibility. Join us to be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to enhancing educational experiences across our international schools.
Contact Details:
International Schools Partnership Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land ISP Divisional Procurement Lead – Middle East & Asia 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 International Schools Partnership.
✨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 ISP Divisional Procurement Lead – Middle East & Asia 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 International Schools Partnership:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to International Schools Partnership. 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 International Schools Partnership.
How to prepare for a job interview at International Schools Partnership
✨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 International Schools Partnership!
✨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 International Schools Partnership. 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 International Schools Partnership's culture.
