Procurement Manager in London

We are looking for someone who will support the deliverance of smart procurement decisions, organisational strategy and ensure a high degree of ethical and best value for money is achieved, across all spend activities.

We are the highest Ofsted-rated provider in the country for special education and care. Our teams are fulfilled by the idea of making even the smallest positive changes in our young people, so we celebrate the little things.

For children with complex needs, the level of care we provide must go above and beyond. That drives us here at Witherslack Group. With our high staff-to-child ratio and in-house clinical teams, we are proud to have won a reputation for excellence and market-leading OFSTED ratings.

This is an exciting group-wide role where you will get the chance to continue the growth of our procurement strategy. Reporting directly into our Head of Procurement and working with internal and external stakeholders, you will help to review our current practices and implement our approach to procurement. As a Procurement Manager for Witherslack Group, you will ensure compliance with procurement regulations and identify savings and benefits for the group.

You will effectively support in the management of a range of stakeholders within Witherslack Group, leading the development, planning and implementation of a strategy that optimises value for money, enabling our schools and homes to continue to provide the best level of education and care to our young people.

Here’s what we need from you:

• Prepare and manage tender documentation and support evaluations.
• Organise and manage meetings (e.g., Tender Working Party, Contract Review).
• Maintain supplier documentation and contracts database.
• Liaise with stakeholders, respond to queries, and provide advice.
• Request benchmarking data from suppliers.
• Manage and update supplier contracts register; review spend reports.
• Support new procurement processes and communicate changes.
• Complete administrative tasks using Excel and other IT systems.
• Carry out other duties as directed by the Procurement Team.
• Demonstrate commercial awareness and promote company objectives.
• Attend relevant meetings and comply with policies.
• Safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people.
• Follow established practices, undertake training, and adapt to new systems.

Person Specification - Skills & Experience:

• Proven procurement management experience within multi-site organisations (education sector desirable).
• Experience with negotiating commercial contract terms.
• Ability to manage multiple categories and deliver the full end-to-end tender process.
• Strong stakeholder and end-user focus.
• Project management capability; commercially astute with excellent negotiation skills.
• Experience in service procurement, contract administration, and supplier management.
• Skilled in identifying procurement risks and applying appropriate tender models.
• Excellent organisational and reporting skills.

For your hard work and commitment, we reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the care sector. With us, you will get to make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people – plus you will get:

• Base salary of up to GBP50,000.
• CIPS course (after successful completion of probation).
• 7 weeks' holiday.
• Flexible benefits package: meaning you can increase/decrease your holiday allowance, pension and life insurance.
• A host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance.
• Medical cover so you can claim back the cost of things like an optician's or dentist appointment and a host of high-street discounts.
• Beautiful working environments with the very best facilities.
• A recommend a friend scheme that offers a GBP1,000 bonus every time.

The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost) and an online search. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.