Procurement Senior Manager

Job description

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the fifth year running.

We're on a mission to give our colleagues an amazing work/life balance! We are trailing the four day working week, get paid 100% for 80%!

Job title: Project Procurement Senior Manager

Location: Bolton office - hybrid twice per week

Salary: Up to £80,000 dependent on experience

Hours: 9-5 Monday-Friday

Contract: 12 month fixed term contract with possibility of extension.

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Project Procurement Senior Manager will lead the development and execution of a strategic procurement plan to support the organisation's rapid expansion, with a particular focus on sourcing materials for large-scale projects such as new school openings. This role will manage procurement for all aspects of the school opening process, from infrastructure to furnishings, ensuring cost-effective sourcing and high-quality delivery across multiple categories, including desks, whiteboards, laptops, and more as well as responsibility for wider group procurement.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Oversee procurement for all resources required to open new schools, including:

• Ensure efficient procurement across all schools, with responsibility for a wider procurement spend that covers the entire scope of school openings and operational needs.

• Develop and implement comprehensive procurement strategies that ensure cost-effective sourcing while maintaining quality and compliance.

• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, negotiating contracts for long-term value and reliable supply chain performance.

• Identify cost-saving opportunities across procurement processes, ensuring the best value for money while meeting project deadlines.

• Lead and mentor the procurement team, fostering a high-performance culture and ensuring the team has the necessary skills and support.

• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and internal procurement standards, while managing risks associated with supply chain disruptions.

• Work cross-functionally with departments such as Finance, Operations, BD, and other teams to align procurement with the organisation's broader objectives.

• Establish, track, and report on KPIs for procurement, providing insights and progress updates to senior management.

• Work on strategic direction of the group procurement function

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Skills

Technical:

• Strong understanding of procurement strategies, with significant experience in high-value, large-scale projects such as infrastructure or construction.

• Proven experience managing end-to-end procurement for diverse resources, including building materials, technology, and furnishings.

• Proficiency in cost analysis, financial modelling, and budget management to oversee procurement processes.

• Experience in supplier management, contract negotiation, and performance evaluation.

• Comprehensive knowledge of relevant legal and industry standards, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation.

• Ability to lead market research and analysis to drive procurement decisions that balance cost, quality, and speed.

• Experience with ERP systems and procurement software to manage processes efficiently.

Skills:

• 5-8 years of experience in group procurement or supply chain management, with a senior or leadership role in managing high-value projects.

• A degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or a related field.

• Professional qualifications such as MCIPS (Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) or equivalent certification are highly desirable.

• Experience in procurement for education or similar sectors is an advantage, with a deep understanding of the specific requirements for opening and operating schools.

Why join Outcomes First Group?

About the Group

Outcomes First Group is the leading provider of specialist education in the UK. We exist to give neurodivergent children and young people access to a great education that caters to their specific needs, abilities and aspirations.

There are three brands in our Outcomes First family: Acorn Education, Options Autism and Momenta Connect. Together, we educate, care for and support children, young people, and adults across the UK, empowering them to be happy and make their way in the world.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the fifth year running.

Our Vision

We believe that with a great education, every neurodivergent pupil can thrive and make their way in the world.

Our Mission

Every day we improve the lives of our pupils, their families, and local communities through a relentless focus on wellbeing and learning.

Our Promise

We are kind to ourselves and each other We work together and we make things happen. Our Promise sits alongside our Vision and Mission. It describes the sort of people we are and our commitment to how we treat each other, work together, and behave.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you'll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance

• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions

• "Your Wellbeing Matters" - access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that's right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits

• 100's of discount options valid in the UK and abroad

• Cycle to Work Schemes

• Electric Car Purchase Scheme

• Critical illness cover

And that's not all, we place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you'll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

We're on a mission to give our colleagues an amazing work/life balance!

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the fifth year running.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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