Overview

This is a permanent, full-time role working 5 days a week for 52.143 weeks a year, with a 36-hour per week contract. The role is hybrid, based at our Sutton offices with at least three days on-site per week, and may require visits to academies and colleges across London and the Southeast as needed.

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 have a wide range of learning abilities and additional needs, including 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.

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.
• 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.

Benefits and Terms

• Grade PO4, £47,529 to £50,568 per annum
• Permanent contract with Orchard Hill College - Head Office salary: Grade PO4, £47,529 to £50,568 per annum, inclusive of London Weighting Allowance
• Access to counselling advice and support via Health Assured (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
• Enrollment into the Teachers Pension Scheme (TPS) with 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

Working together to transform lives is what we do. OHC&AT is a rewarding and inspirational place to work, where everyone works together to create the best possible outcomes for pupils and students.