At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and lead procurement exercises to drive value for the organisation.
- Company: Join Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust, a supportive family of education providers.
- Benefits: Enjoy career progression, pension schemes, employee wellbeing support, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while supporting diverse learners.
- Qualifications: CIPS qualification or working towards it, with strong analytical and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Other info: Be part of a Disability Confident Employer committed to inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Copthall House, 9 The Pavement, Grove Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 1DA
Working Pattern: 36 hours per week, Monday â Friday, all year round. 2 or 3 days per week at Copthall House and also supplier visits necessary.
Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust (OHC&AT) is a family of specialist education providers for pupils and students from nursery to further education. We operate across academies and college centres in London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire, providing learning support services such as nursing and therapy, and a central business support team which includes HR, finance and IT.
Pupils and students within the OHC&AT family have a wide range of learning abilities and additional needs, including autistic spectrum disorder; speech, language and communication difficulties; social, emotional and mental health needs; profound and multiple learning disabilities; and physical disabilities including multi-sensory impairment and complex health conditions.
We are looking for a proactive and commercially minded Procurement Specialist to join our dynamic Procurement Team. In this pivotal role, you will help support the delivery of our Procurement Strategy through effective supplier relationship management, robust compliance reporting, and highâquality procurement support across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities- Lead supplier relationship management, including implementing SLAs/KPIs and conducting regular supplier performance review meetings.
- Manage endâtoâend procurement exercises (RFQs, tenders, benchmarking) in line with the Procurement Act 2023 and organisational procedures.
- Provide accurate reporting and data analysis to support compliance, costâsaving identification, and strategic decisionâmaking.
- Maintain and optimise procurement systems, including eâtendering and contract management platforms, ensuring data accuracy and efficient processes.
- Drive category management improvements, including ownership of the utilities category, purchase order scheduling, and delivering valueâforâmoney outcomes.
- CIPS qualification (or working towards) with strong knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23).
- Proven experience leading supplier relationships and monitoring performance against SLAs and KPIs.
- Strong analytical and reporting skills, able to interpret data and present insights confidently.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement abilities, with the confidence to work across teams and build productive supplier relationships.
- Proactive, reliable and adaptable, able to balance reactive tasks with planned work while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
- Pathways for progression within the trust, ensuring you can grow and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Pension Scheme â you will be enrolled in either the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS), both offering life cover and financial protection for your family.
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes (Cycle Scheme and Home Electronics Scheme).
- Employee Wellbeing â We support employee wellbeing with access to counselling, mental health support, generous leave, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave including an Employee Assistance Programme, MyGym Discounts, and a Corporate Eyecare Scheme.
- Employee Discounts (Blue Light Card, Costco Membership, Discounts for Teachers, and more).
- Other (Season Ticket Loan and Employee Referral Scheme).
To ensure a fair opportunity for all applicants, candidates who have applied for this position in the past 6 months will not be considered.
We are committed to promoting and advancing equality of opportunity by attracting and retaining the most diverse range of students, staff and partners.
Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all.
Closing Date: 19th December 2025
Interview Date: The week commencing 5th January 2026
Procurement Specialist in Sutton Coldfield employer: Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust
Contact Detail:
Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Procurement Specialist in Sutton Coldfield
â¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust, their values, and their procurement strategies. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
â¨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info about the role and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
â¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities listed in the job description. Practise articulating your supplier relationship management skills and how you've driven value-for-money outcomes in past roles.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows youâre serious about joining the team at Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Specialist in Sutton Coldfield
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Procurement Specialist role. Highlight your experience with supplier relationships and compliance reporting, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Skills: Donât forget to emphasise your analytical skills and ability to interpret data. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you've successfully managed procurement processes.
Be Proactive: In your application, convey your proactive nature. Mention instances where youâve taken the initiative in previous roles, especially in managing supplier performance or driving category management improvements.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and youâll find all the details you need there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust
â¨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Procurement Act 2023 and any relevant regulations. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you understand the legal framework that governs procurement.
â¨Showcase Your Supplier Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships in the past. Think about specific SLAs or KPIs you've implemented and how you conducted performance reviews. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and proactive approach.
â¨Data is Your Best Friend
Be ready to talk about your analytical skills. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions or identify cost savings. If you can present insights from your previous roles, itâll highlight your ability to support compliance and strategic decision-making.
â¨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've engaged with different teams and stakeholders in your previous roles. Be prepared to discuss how you built productive relationships and navigated challenges. This will show that youâre adaptable and can work well across various departments.