At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement contracts and drive value for money across the Trust.
- Company: Join Shaw Education Trust, a dynamic family of schools committed to transforming lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, health plans, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working available and opportunities for growth within a collaborative network.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and contract management with strong attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 33075 - 40425 £ per year.
We are looking for an organised, commercially minded Procurement Contracts Manager to join our Finance team and help ensure the Trust achieves excellent value for money while maintaining strong compliance and governance. Reporting to the Director of Finance, you will play a key role in driving value for money across the Trust by identifying opportunities to reduce costs, improve efficiency and strengthen procurement processes through spend analysis, benchmarking and continuous improvement.
You will be responsible for coordinating procurement activity, managing the Trust’s contracts and leases register, monitoring supplier performance and providing practical advice to schools and colleagues across the Trust. If you have experience in procurement and contract management, excellent attention to detail and the confidence to build effective relationships with colleagues and suppliers, we would love to hear from you.
Join us and help make every pound count in supporting our schools and the children and young people we serve. Location: SET Head Office, based at the Kidsgrove Secondary School site, with hybrid working available where appropriate. The role may also require regular visits to Trust schools and other locations as required.
At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role has the power to transform a life. Whether you’re supporting behind the scenes, inspiring in the classroom, or leading with vision, you will be part of something truly meaningful. Our values—opportunity, integrity, community, and equity—guide everything we do. Our vision is “Opening doors to the world through the power of learning.” We bring this to life through our mission: working together to inspire communities where every school is valued, every voice matters, and every learner thrives.
We are a dynamic and growing family of primary, secondary, and special schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury. Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their development through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent development programmes, and research opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive as skilled, confident professionals. We champion wellbeing, value every voice, and foster a culture where you feel supported, motivated, and inspired to make a real difference.
You will join a collaborative network of schools where shared expertise and a strong professional community drive success. Every academy within our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital role in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures. If you have the passion, dedication, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our team. Together, let’s make the remarkable happen.
We believe every child has the potential to be extraordinary.
Shaw Education Trust offer the following employee benefits with your Teaching or Support Staff employment:
- An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
- Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years’ service including Bank Holidays)
- Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being.
- Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), Exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
- Free Eye Tests
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.
We know our people are the key to our success and so we’re committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one.
Contracts Procurement Manager in Newcastle under Lyme employer: Shaw Education Trust
Woodhey High School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where every staff member is valued and empowered to thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development through comprehensive training programmes and a focus on wellbeing, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to transforming lives and shaping futures. Located in a vibrant community, this is an inspiring place to work, where your contributions truly make a difference in the lives of students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Procurement Manager in Newcastle under Lyme
✨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 Shaw Education Trust.
✨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 Contracts Procurement Manager in Newcastle under Lyme
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 Shaw Education Trust:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Shaw Education Trust. 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 Shaw Education Trust.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shaw Education Trust
✨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 Shaw Education Trust!
✨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 Shaw Education Trust. 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 Shaw Education Trust's culture.