At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and ensure compliance with regulations across our diverse academies.
- Company: Join Bourne Education Trust, dedicated to transforming education and changing lives.
- Benefits: Generous pension, well-being support, flexible work options, and discounts on everyday spending.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while promoting sustainability and social justice.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement and a commitment to safeguarding children.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Benefits: Generous pension and holiday entitlement, training and development, recognition policies, wellbeing support (24/7 GP access & EAP), access to discount platform, work-life balance, family-friendly policies, free parking, occupational sick pay.
We are seeking a Head of Procurement to join our team at Bourne Education Trust.
About Bourne Education Trust: Bourne Education Trust (BET) was established in the early 2010s and is made up of a broad range of primary, secondary and specialist academies. Alongside a number of associate schools, the Trust has a presence across Hampshire, London and Surrey. BET is responsible for the education of a large and diverse pupil population and employs a substantial workforce. BET's strapline "Transforming schools; changing lives" reflects our shared commitment that all children, regardless of context or background, deserve a great education. Together we are passionate about developing sustainable and ethical environments, promoting social justice and maintaining the highest standards in our behaviours and values. We learn without borders and we are relentless in our efforts to support our pupils through new and innovative ways by embracing new technologies. Digital education is at the forefront of our joint approach and we are resolute in our belief that digital innovation has the ability to enrich and transform – reimagining the future of education in our schools.
Details:
- Position: Head of Procurement
- Location: Addlestone, Surrey (regular travel to other school sites is required) with flexibility to work from home part of the week
- Contract: Permanent, full time (36 hours per week, 52 weeks per annum)
Generous workplace pension through LGPS. Ongoing training, learning and development opportunities. Recognition policies for exceptional performance and long service. Well-being support, including 24/7 online GP access, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), online wellness support and free eye tests. Access to savings on everyday spending including groceries, homeware, entertainment and holidays, through My Staff Shop benefits platform. Work-life balance, and family-friendly policies and processes. Free on-site parking and cycle to work scheme.
Key responsibilities include:
- Develop and implement a Trust-wide procurement strategy aligned to Trust priorities and financial regulations.
- Maintain and review procurement policies, procedures, thresholds and approval routes.
- Ensure compliance with relevant procurement legislation and DfE guidance.
Requirements include:
- Ability to demonstrate an awareness, understanding and commitment to the protection and safeguarding of children.
- Strong understanding of public sector procurement principles, including transparency, fairness, regularity, propriety and value for money.
- Proven ability to run compliant procurement and tendering processes, including developing documentation, evaluation methodologies and financial due diligence checks.
Our Culture: At Bourne Education Trust, we value colleagues who are:
- Reflective, optimistic and aspirational
- Collaborative and innovative
- Committed, engaged and professional
- Advocates for equality and inclusivity
Equal Opportunities: Bourne Education Trust is committed to equal opportunity for all colleagues, pupils and other stakeholders. Applications from individuals are encouraged irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. In advertising our vacancies, we are committed to accommodating diverse needs. If you require the applicant job pack to be supplied in a different format, please contact us and we will provide a suitable alternative.
Safeguarding: Bourne Education Trust are committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare and safety of its staff and pupils and follows safeguarding interview procedures. All candidates must meet the highest standard of safeguarding and successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Head of Procurement in Ewell employer: Philip Southcote School
Bourne Education Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff, offering generous benefits such as a robust pension scheme, extensive training opportunities, and a supportive work-life balance. Located in Addlestone, Surrey, with flexibility for remote work, BET fosters a collaborative and inclusive culture, empowering employees to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students while embracing innovative educational practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement in Ewell
✨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 Philip Southcote School.
✨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 Head of Procurement in Ewell
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 Philip Southcote School:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Philip Southcote School. 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 Philip Southcote School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Philip Southcote School
✨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 Philip Southcote School!
✨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 Philip Southcote School. 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 Philip Southcote School's culture.