Salary: Grade PO4, FTE £49,050 to £52,187 per annum, inclusive of London Weighting Allowance
Location: Copthall House, 9 The Pavement, Grove Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 1DA
Working Pattern: This role is a permanent, full-time position working 5 days all year round. This role will work in hybrid fashion, working from our offices in Sutton at least three days per week and possibly more, subject to business needs. It will also be necessary, on occasion, to visit our academies and colleges across London and the Southeast. The role is based on a 36hrs per week basis, 8.45am – 4.30pm M-Th & 8.45am – 4.15pm F.
Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust (OHC&AT) is a family of specialist education providers for pupils and students from nursery to further education. We operate across academies and college centres in London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire. Supporting our academies and college, OHC&AT also operates learning support services, such as nursing and therapy, and a central business support team which includes HR, finance and IT.
Pupils and students within the OHC&AT family have a wide range of learning abilities and additional needs. These include autistic spectrum disorder; speech, language and communication difficulties; social, emotional and mental health needs; profound and multiple learning disabilities; and physical disabilities including multi-sensory impairment and complex health conditions.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Procurement & Contract Manager to join our team and play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering our procurement strategy. Working closely with the Head of Procurement, you will lead on key procurement initiatives across Estates and Facilities Management, including capital works projects and supplier management. This is a hands-on and varied role within a small, collaborative team, where your expertise in procurement and contract management will drive value, efficiency, and compliance.
You will work closely with senior managers, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure best practice procurement processes, cost savings, and high-quality outcomes. If you are forward-thinking, adaptable, and passionate about continuous improvement, this role offers an exciting opportunity to make a real impact.
Key Responsibilities:
• Support the Head of Procurement in delivering the procurement strategy, best practices, tools, and guidance aligned to business and operational needs.
• Manage formal tendering and purchasing for Estates and Facilities Management, including capital works projects.
• Expand and maintain the Preferred Supplier List.
• Lead on procurement initiatives, ensuring value for money, cost savings, and exceptional customer service.
• Oversee and manage contract performance, ensuring compliance with SLAs and KPIs.
• Collaborate effectively with senior managers and external contractors.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying new ways of working and innovative procurement solutions.
• Undertake benchmarking, financial and spend analysis, and due diligence checks.
• Manage end-to-end procurement processes, including ITTs.
• Provide hands-on support across various projects within a small team environment.
Key Requirements:
• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (MCIPS) or working towards qualification.
• Strong experience in public sector procurement and contract management (education sector experience desirable but not essential).
• Solid understanding of the upcoming Procurement Act 2024.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and experience with e-Tendering platforms (e.g., MyTender).
• Strong financial and analytical skills, with the ability to conduct benchmarking and spend analysis.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage senior leaders and contractors.
• Forward-thinking, open, and positive approach with the ability to work independently.
• Flexible, hands-on attitude with the ability to support wider team projects when required.
Rewards & Benefits:
• Comprehensive training and development
• Opportunities to engage with internal professional networks
• Access to counselling advice and support via Health Assured (our employee assistance programme)
• Commitment to wellbeing supported by our occupational health service and mental-health first aiders
• Scope for career progression across nine college centres, 13 academy schools and Central Teams
• Generous annual leave and flexible working schemes in addition to bank and public holidays and a Christmas closure period
• As part of your contract of employment you will enrolled into the Teachers Pension Scheme (TPS) which has life cover and financial protection for your family
• Enhanced parental leave schemes
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loans
• Employee referral scheme
• Discounted gym membership subscription including digital fitness
• Home electronics scheme
• Employee Car Lease Scheme
Working together to transform lives is what we do and across the whole organisation we have a range of experts and practitioners who advocate for children and young people with SEND to ensure they receive the best possible opportunities to achieve their full potential.
OHC&AT is a rewarding and inspirational place to work, where everyone works together to create the best possible outcomes for pupils and students.
To apply for this role, please click ‘Fast Apply’, you will then be directed to a ‘Login’ page, once signed in please complete and submit the Application Form.
Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details on the role and the skills, experience and knowledge we are looking for.
Your application form will be scored according to each of the requirements laid out in the person specification for this role. Please demonstrate in your statement how your experience, skills and knowledge match the criteria that are required for the role.
Please note that CV applications cannot be considered.
Closing Date: 31st May 2026
First Round Interview Date: Wednesday 10th June, via Microsoft Teams Video Call