Head of Procurement

We are looking to appoint a forward-thinking and innovative Procurement professional to create and lead the procurement function within the Federation. The post-holder will play a leading role in developing this embryonic team - developing, implementing and delivering the Federation’s Procurement Policy, Plan and Strategy to ensure value for money associated with the acquisition of goods and services without the processes being overly bureaucratic. 

As well leading on a specific supply category – Estates and Facilities, ICT and/or Corporate Services – the post-holder will perform strategic procurement activities across multiple categories of spend in order to achieve better value for money for the Federation, without compromising service levels.

We are looking for an energetic, driven and forward thinking individual, with a proven track record of implementing procurement strategies and innovative solutions.  With proven commercial acumen, the post-holder will be a strong negotiator and able to engage and advise senior stakeholders, and possess the following attributes:

• Strong influencing skills at a senior level to influence new ways of working;
• Commercially aware with a sound understanding of finance, e-procurement and purchase order systems;
• Experience of negotiating contract and commercial terms with market leaders on high value/high risk contracts;
• Experience in advising and delivering procurement programmes in line with procurement legislation and tendering principles;
• Prove experience of contract and supplier management of high value strategic contracts;
• Self-awareness, with a drive for constant self-improvement and focus on leading high performing teams

To be suitable for this role the post-holder will be MCIPS qualified with a proven track record of working under pressure in a fast paced environment.   With significant previous procurement and contract management experience, the post-holder will have experience of establishing new processes and systems, and well as experience of working across a wide range of common supply categories.

As an employee with the Harris Federation, you will receive a generous benefits package, including performance and loyalty bonus, pension scheme (LGPS), Harris wellbeing cash plan and additional Harris benefits.

Why work for the Harris Federation?

The Harris Federation is a top performing Multi Academy Trust with an established track record in school improvement, and at the forefront of developing exceptional practitioners and senior leaders. The Federation provides a highly supportive network of Academies, Executives Leaders, Principals and mentors to help develop and progress your career.

Professional development and collaboration are key to our success, and we provide top quality training at every level from Beginner Teachers to Executive Leaders. We invest in our staff with coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of training programmes, delivered by our Teaching School Alliance. Two Harris academies hold Teaching School status and Harris also runs the highly successful London Thames Maths Hub, as well as working in partnership with a number of external organisations.

The Harris Federation offers exceptional opportunities for personal and professional development. No matter what stage you are at or what job you do, we will support and develop your skills, with our Teaching School delivering outstanding courses for staff at every level, including NPQML, NPQSL, NPQH and beyond.

Harris is a Federation and not a chain; each academy is different, reflecting the particular aspirations and leadership style of its Principal. All of our primary and secondary academies are rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and we are recognised for transforming the life chances of the children that we educate.

We look for talented individuals who want to help transform education in London, and create exceptional places of learning.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE NOW.

Harris academies are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants. In line with our commitments to safeguarding, the Harris Federation uses preferred agencies and is unable to work with any agencies where Terms of Business have not been agreed by both parties prior to an engagement.