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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and manage contracts to drive value and innovation.
- Company: Join TKAT, a forward-thinking Multi-Academy Trust focused on ethical growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, mindfulness support, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while making a real impact on students' lives.
- Qualifications: MCIPS qualified with experience in complex procurement environments.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board. At TKAT, we don’t believe in "gaming the system" or chasing vanity metrics. In an organization of our scale, spanning 45 academies and thousands of colleagues, operational success is built on transparency, sustainable growth, and professional excellence.
We are looking for a commercial architect who understands that in a large Multi-Academy Trust, the "bottom line" is about the efficient, ethical distribution of resources. We play a vital role in the wider system, and we need a leader who values partnerships over paperwork and integrity over "spin." The Head of Procurement and Contracts will be an innovative self-starter, focused on developing and implementing a high-function procurement service.
The Role
This is a pivotal leadership role within TKAT, responsible for shaping and delivering a Trust-wide procurement and contracts strategy that drives value, innovation, and compliance. Reporting to the Chief Finance Officer, you will lead a dedicated team to ensure our resources are used effectively across the Trust. From IT and Catering to Estates and Corporate Services, you will be the commercial heart of the Trust, ensuring every contract aligns with our mission to inspire a community of aspirational learners.
Your Key Impact Areas:
- Strategic Leadership: Develop a forward-looking procurement strategy that balances commercial acumen with our educational goals.
- Operational Excellence: Lead complex, high-value tenders (PCR 2015 / PA 2023) and oversee contract management that ensures quality for our schools.
- Empowering Others: Mentor a high-performing team and partner with Headteachers and Business Managers to provide tailored, value-driven solutions.
- Integrity & Collaboration: Act as a trusted advisor to the Board, ensuring our growth is sustainable and our partnerships are ethical.
About You
You are a professionally qualified procurement expert (MCIPS) who thrives in complex, multi-site environments. You are "digitally fluent" and possess the commercial acumen to negotiate for the best outcomes, but you do so with the empathy and respect that defines our culture. Ready to build something sustainable? We are looking for a specific mindset. You might be the right person if:
- Have extensive experience leading procurement functions in the public or complex private sectors.
- Can translate technical procurement data into clear, impactful insights for Executive Boards.
- Are a collaborative "bridge-builder" who enjoys supporting colleagues and sharing knowledge.
- Are passionate about social mobility and want your work to have a tangible impact on the lives of children.
Benefits
We support our Head of Procurement with a bespoke benefits package centered on professional growth, personal wellbeing, and financial security.
- Executive CPD & Strategic Training: Access high-level professional development tailored to senior leadership and advanced procurement strategy.
- Executive Coaching & Mentoring: Receive dedicated guidance and peer-to-peer insight from our Trust's executive leadership team.
- Funded Professional Accreditations: Expand your credentials with funded opportunities for MCIPS or other relevant high-level management qualifications.
- Headspace Subscription: Enjoy free, full access to the world’s leading mindfulness app to maintain focus and balance in a high-stakes role.
- Eight-Week Mindfulness Programme: Participate in a free, expert-led mindfulness course (8 x 90-minute out-of-hours sessions) to support mental resilience.
- Blue Light Card Eligibility: Save more on shopping, dining, and travel with access to the UK’s premier discount scheme for the education sector.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Enjoy a healthier, more sustainable commute by spreading the cost of a new bike and equipment.
- Generous Local Government Pension Scheme: Secure your future with substantial employer contributions toward your long-term financial wellbeing.
A Supportive, Innovative Culture: Join a forward-thinking central team that values data-driven decision-making, champions work-life balance, and empowers you to drive meaningful change across the Trust.
Why Join Us?
This is more than a procurement role; it’s an opportunity to shape the future of education. We offer a workplace where you have the autonomy to innovate, the support to grow, and the knowledge that your work has a tangible, positive impact on society. We have high ambitions for our pupils. If you have high ambitions for your career and want them to align with a clear moral purpose, we want to hear from you!
We have a flexible approach to interviews and can offer a range of dates and times to suit your personal circumstances. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of applications.
Safeguarding
TKAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Offers of employment will be subject to the full safer recruitment process, including an enhanced disclosure and barring service check.
Flexible working
TKAT recognises the value of enabling our employees to develop their career and balance this with their commitments and interests outside of work. In TKAT we promote flexible working practices and opportunities to promote a positive work-life balance.
Our Commitment - Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging
At TKAT, we are committed to Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging. We embrace and celebrate differences, value individual experiences, aspirations, and achievements, and continuously learn how to grow better together. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, as we believe diversity strengthens our community and drives us forward.
Access to interview Be Who You Are at TKAT - should you be selected and invited to interview please let us know if you require us to adapt the recruitment process to enable you to participate as your authentic self. We want applicants to be able to engage with us in ways that support who they are and we are committed to making adjustments within the recruitment process and within the workplace.
Head of Procurement & Contracts in Sidcup employer: The Kemnal Academies Trust
Contact Detail:
The Kemnal Academies Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement & Contracts in Sidcup
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Procurement role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching TKAT and their values. Understand their mission and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as someone who truly gets what they're about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in procurement can drive value and innovation at TKAT. Highlight your experience in leading teams and managing contracts, showing that you’re the perfect fit for this pivotal role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our community and making a difference in education.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement & Contracts in Sidcup
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Procurement & Contracts role. Highlight your experience in procurement and how it aligns with our mission at TKAT. We want to see how you can bring value to our Trust!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about strategic leadership, so don’t hold back on sharing examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and empower others, so let that shine through!
Be Authentic: We value integrity and collaboration, so be yourself in your application. Share your passion for social mobility and how you want to make a difference in education. We’re looking for genuine connections, not just buzzwords!
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Kemnal Academies Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into procurement strategies and contract management. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in public sector procurement and be ready to discuss how you can apply this knowledge at TKAT.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in complex environments. Highlight your experience in mentoring and empowering others, as this role is all about collaboration and building strong partnerships.
✨Align with Their Values
TKAT values integrity and ethical practices. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these values in your work and provide examples of how you've made decisions that reflect a commitment to social mobility and community impact.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask insightful questions about their procurement strategy and how it aligns with their educational goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively.
