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- Tasks: Support procurement activities to ensure schools receive essential goods and services.
- Company: Join a not-for-profit organisation transforming education for over 30,000 pupils.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on future generations and help improve educational standards.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of public sector contracts and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with significant scope for career development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Do you want to be part of a team that is transforming the lives of over 30,000 pupils across 41 schools? We are looking for an exceptional procurement professional to support our Procurement Team in delivering the goods and services essential for running our schools. Your work will help ensure that all children, regardless of their starting point, receive an excellent education. As a not-for-profit organisation, we actively recruit from diverse professional backgrounds. We all work together to raise educational standards for all pupils, irrespective of their socio-economic background. Our goal is to serve our local communities and give pupils the very best life chances to fulfil their aspirations. If you would relish the opportunity to help deliver this vision, then this is the organisation for you.
Overall purpose of Post
To support the Head of Procurement in everyday procurement activity to our schools by procuring goods, works and services to ensure students get the most out of the funding available for their education. You will be responsible for leading on procurement across all non-staffing spend to suppliers to maximise the value for money secured for our students. This is an ambitious, growing organisation, with a national profile. As a key member of this team you will have significant scope for future development and will be instrumental in the ongoing success of over 30,000 students, and therefore, the organisation.
To apply for this position, you need to have:
- A strong working knowledge of public sector contracts, The Procurement Act 2023 and navigating Find a Tender Service (FTS) thresholds.
- Proven ability to draft complex specifications, manage e-tendering platforms, and design robust evaluation criteria.
- Skilled in spend analysis and identifying opportunities for collaborative buying to achieve Value for Money (VfM).
- Experience conducting formal supplier reviews and managing delivery against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
- Excellent communication skills across a variety of stakeholders and the ability to build and maintain strong relationships.
- Maintain accurate and comprehensive records and work with a strong attention to detail.
- The ability to plan and prioritise work to meet commitments aligned with organisational goals.
- Full driving license and access to a vehicle as required.
What We Offer
- Meaningful Impact: Contribute to the development of future generations and make a positive difference in their lives.
- Career Growth: Work in a growing organisation with opportunities for professional development.
- Collaborative Environment: Be part of a supportive and collaborative team that values teamwork and innovation.
- Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme and employee benefits package.
Closing date for applications is Monday 19 January at 10:00am. Interviews will take place Wednesday 28 January at Outwood Grange Academy Trust, Potovens Ln, Outwood, Wakefield WF1 2PF. If you require further information please contact Suzi Richards (Head of Procurement) on s.richards@outwood.com.
Assistant Category Manager in Wakefield employer: Outwood
Contact Detail:
Outwood Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Category Manager in Wakefield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education and procurement sectors. Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation thoroughly and understand their mission. Be ready to discuss how your skills in procurement can directly impact the educational experience of students. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or mentor to do mock interviews with you. Focus on articulating your experience with public sector contracts and your ability to manage supplier relationships. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Category Manager in Wakefield
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 Category Manager. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of transforming education for over 30,000 pupils!
Showcase Your Procurement Knowledge: Since this role requires a strong understanding of public sector contracts and procurement processes, be sure to mention any relevant experience you have. We’re keen to see your expertise in action, so don’t hold back!
Communicate Clearly: Your written communication skills are crucial for this position. Keep your application clear and concise, and make sure to demonstrate your ability to engage with various stakeholders. We love a good communicator!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Outwood
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of public sector contracts and the Procurement Act 2023. Familiarise yourself with the Find a Tender Service (FTS) thresholds, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the position.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with spend analysis and how you've identified opportunities for collaborative buying in the past. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your ability to achieve Value for Money (VfM) and how this has positively impacted previous projects.
✨Communication is Key
Since you'll be working with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Think of examples where you've successfully built relationships or communicated complex information effectively. This will highlight your excellent communication skills, which are essential for the role.
✨Plan and Prioritise
Be ready to discuss how you manage your workload and prioritise tasks to meet organisational goals. Share specific strategies or tools you use to stay organised, as this will demonstrate your attention to detail and ability to deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
