Role: Procurement Manager
School: Trust Head Office, Wakefield, West Yorkshire (with travel to academies as required)
Start Date: October onwards
Salary (Actual Salary): Grade 10/11 - £37,280 - £44,075
Working Pattern: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Ready to elevate your skills in an impactful, supportive environment?
Do you want to be part of a team that's transforming the lives of over 30,000 pupils across 41 schools? At Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT), we actively recruit from diverse professional backgrounds to help 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.
If you are in the early stages of your procurement career, this is an exceptional opportunity to expand your toolkit. Working within our focused, tight-knit team of three, you won’t be hidden away in a massive department. Instead, you will work directly alongside our Head of Procurement, giving you high-visibility experience, hands-on exposure to complex projects, and excellent CPD opportunities to accelerate your professional development.
Overall Purpose of the Post
To support the Head of Procurement in everyday procurement activity across our schools, procuring goods, works, and services to ensure students get the most out of the funding available for their education. You will take the lead on managing mid-level tenders and overseeing supplier performance across non-staffing spend to maximise value for money. While our team is small, our footprint is large; your work will be instrumental in the ongoing success of our organisation.
Who We Are Looking For
This role is ideal for a driven individual with foundational public procurement skills who wants to learn and engage in professional development. To be successful, you need to have:
- Foundational Procurement Knowledge: A working knowledge of public sector contracts and an understanding of The Procurement Act 2023 and Find a Tender Service (FTS) thresholds.
- E-Tendering Exposure: Experience or exposure to drafting specifications, navigating e-tendering platforms, and designing evaluation criteria.
- Analytical Potential: Skilled in spend analysis and identifying opportunities for collaborative buying to achieve Value for Money.
- Communication & Relationship Skills: Excellent communication skills across a variety of stakeholders and a strong attention to detail.
- Drive & Organisation: The ability to plan and prioritise work to meet commitments aligned with organisational goals.
- Mobility: A full driving license and access to a vehicle to attend other academies within the Outwood Grange Family of Schools 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 dates for applications is 10:00 Monday 7 September 2026
Interviews will take place Wednesday 28 September 2026 at Outwood Grange Academies Trust
If you require any further information please contact Suzi Richards (Head of Procurement) on s.richards@outwood.com
Responsibilities
The Procurement Manager will lead end-to-end e-tendering processes and mid-level procurements in compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, drafting tender documentation and maintaining Trust-wide contract registers.
Key duties include analysing multi-site spend data to identify collaborative buying opportunities, advising Headteachers and School Business Managers on commercial best practices, and driving supplier performance through regular KPI reviews. Additionally, the role provides technical guidance to administrative staff while ensuring all purchasing aligns with internal financial regulations, legal compliance, and the Trust's sustainability and Net Zero objectives.
- To view the Job Description Click Here
Qualifications
Candidates should hold CIPS Level 4 (or equivalent) or a relevant degree/professional qualification.
Demonstrable experience in public sector procurement (including the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and Procurement Act 2023) and drafting end-to-end tender documentation is essential.
You must exhibit strong commercial acumen, analytical capability, and negotiation skills, alongside excellent literacy, numeracy, and communication abilities. High emotional intelligence, integrity, and the capacity to work under pressure with accuracy and initiative are essential.
- To view the Person Specification Click Here
Procurement Manager in Wakefield employer: Outwood
Outwood Academy Kirkby is an excellent employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture, prioritising the professional development of its staff. As a Teaching Assistant, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while benefiting from a collaborative environment that encourages growth and innovation in education. Located in a vibrant community, the academy offers a unique chance to contribute to the success of diverse learners, particularly those with SEND and EAL needs.
