At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and manage contracts for a growing Multi Academy Trust.
- Company: Join Co-op Academies Trust, a values-led organisation making a difference in education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, pension schemes, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with professional development and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on schools and communities while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree level or equivalent experience; CIPS qualified or working towards it.
The predicted salary is between 56710 - 61206 £ per year.
Salary: £56,710 - £61,206 per annum
Location: 1 Angel Square, Manchester/hybrid working (2 days on-site per week)
Contract: Permanent, 37 hours FTE
Closing date: 23:59pm, Monday 20 July 2026
Overview of the Procurement Manager role
Sellick Partnership is currently partnered with Co-op Academies Trust to recruit a Procurement Manager. This is a strategic opportunity to lead procurement activity across a growing Multi Academy Trust, ensuring compliance, value for money, contract governance and consistency of approach. Reporting to the Finance Director, the successful candidate will develop and implement a Trust-wide procurement and contract management framework, including preferred supplier arrangements, standard contract terms and full lifecycle management.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Trust-wide procurement and contract management strategy
- Establish and maintain preferred supplier arrangements, framework portfolio, standard contract terms and performance expectations
- Drive standardisation, aggregation and contract consolidation to improve value and reduce risk
- Ensure procurement compliance with Trust Financial Regulations, the Academies Trust Handbook and Procurement Act 2023
- Develop and maintain procurement and contract management policies, procedures, templates, and guidance
- Lead and manage high-value, complex and above-threshold procurement exercises
- Advise schools and senior leaders on compliant tendering, quotation and direct award processes
- Develop and embed a contract management framework covering the full supplier lifecycle – ensuring that all contracts are clearly documented, accessible and managed
- Lead supplier performance management, contract review meetings and commercial negotiations
- Analyse spend and contract data to identify savings, efficiencies and value-for-money opportunities
This list isn't exhaustive and the full job specification for this role can be provided upon request, which highlights further detail on each aspect of this role.
Required Experience / Qualifications
- Degree level or equivalent experience
- CIPS qualified, working towards CIPS, or another relevant qualification
- Experience of procurement in a medium to large complex organisation, preferably public sector
- Experience managing tenders, supplier frameworks, e-tendering and e-sourcing portals
- Strong understanding of procurement compliance, financial controls, governance and public sector accountability
- Demonstrable experience delivering value for money and cost savings
- Strong commercial, analytical, negotiation and stakeholder management skills
- Knowledge of ESG and sustainable procurement principles would be beneficial
- Commitment to co-operative values, British Values and the Ways of Being Co-op
Benefits
- Competitive annual leave entitlement
- Defined benefit pension schemes, including the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Co-op colleague membership, including 30% off selected Co-op branded products and 10% off branded products in Co-op Group food stores
- Employee Assistance Programme for colleagues and members of their household
- Wellbeing support, including mental health resources, Health Assured support, Wisdom Health and Wellbeing App and Mental Health First Aiders
- Generous occupational sick pay and family-friendly policies
- Free annual flu vaccination and free eye care tests
- Cycle to Work scheme and Nuffield Health gym membership discounts
- Professional development, induction, coaching and career progression opportunities
This is a fantastic opportunity to join Co-op Academies Trust, a values-led organisation sponsored by the Co-op Group. The Trust supports schools and communities across the North of England and is committed to creating exceptional pupil experiences, strong financial stewardship and fairer communities. Sellick Partnership is proud to be an inclusive and accessible recruitment business and we support applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances.
Please note, our advertisements use years' experience, hourly rates, and salary levels purely as a guide and we assess applications based on the experience and skills evidenced on the CV.
For information on how your personal details may be used by Sellick Partnership, please review our data processing notice on our website.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in Manchester
✨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 Sellick 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 Procurement Manager in Manchester
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 Sellick Partnership:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Sellick 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 Sellick Partnership.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sellick 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 Sellick 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 Sellick 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 Sellick Partnership's culture.
