At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement and contracts to enhance value across our schools.
- Company: Join Woodard, a leading educational charity dedicated to high-quality Christian education.
- Benefits: Flexible remote work, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team impacting over 30,000 students across the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong analytical skills, and a passion for education.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Woodard is a significant educational charity, founded on the vision of Canon Nathaniel Woodard, and committed to providing high-quality education within an actively Christian school environment for all. Today, Woodard educates more than 30,000 pupils across academy, independent and state-maintained schools. This role offers the right candidate a distinctive opportunity to contribute to that mission by providing valued support across the Corporation, its Board and its schools.
The post sits within a small Head Office team which supports Woodard’s work across its family of schools. Although we have an office in London, Head Office staff work remotely from locations across the UK, and this role will primarily be home-based.
About the role: Procurement Manager (FM & Group Services) Reporting to the Head of Procurement, the Procurement Manager is responsible for delivering value, governance and commercial control across the Woodard independent school group third-party spend, with a particular focus on estates and externally procured services. The postholder will support the group and individual schools in managing procurement activity, improving commercial outcomes and strengthening contract governance. Whilst bringing experience in facilities management and estates, the role operates as a generalist, applying commercial expertise across a broad range of expenditure areas including professional services, utilities, catering supply chains and operational spend.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Procurement & Commercial Management
- Estates, Hard FM & Specialist Services FM
- Commercial Oversight
- Contract Management & Governance
- Group Support & Advisory
- Data, Reporting & Continuous Improvement
The Ideal Candidate will bring/demonstrate:
- Experience in procurement and contract management roles.
- Experience in estates, FM or built environment sectors.
- Strong understanding of cost drivers in facilities, maintenance or operational services.
- Demonstrable experience of tendering and supplier negotiation.
- Strong analytical capability and financial awareness.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
- Highly organised, with strong attention to detail.
- Proficient in Microsoft 365, particularly Excel.
- Ability to operate across both strategic and operational activity.
- Willingness to travel across sites and to undertake an Enhanced DBS check (or hold a current certificate).
- Sympathetic to Christian values.
Desirable Criteria:
- Experience working in multi-site or decentralised organisations.
- Exposure to outsourced and in-house service delivery models (e.g. catering, cleaning).
- Experience of benchmarking, cost modelling or value-for-money analysis.
- Knowledge of estate compliance, lifecycle planning or capital programmes.
The Woodard Schools have retained Wild Search to support them on this appointment. For more information please visit our website via the button below. Deadline for applications: 29 July 2026.
Procurement Manager in City of London employer: Woodard Schools
WOODARD SCHOOLS is an exceptional employer that values collaboration and community within its family of schools. With a strong commitment to Christian values, the organisation fosters a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and development. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, meaningful engagement with educational institutions, and opportunities to make a positive impact in the lives of students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in City of London
✨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 Woodard Schools.
✨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 City of London
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 Woodard Schools:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Woodard Schools. 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 Woodard Schools.
How to prepare for a job interview at Woodard Schools
✨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 Woodard Schools!
✨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 Woodard Schools. 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 Woodard Schools's culture.
