(Y)Our Opportunity We’re looking to recruit a Procurement and Contracts Partner, who understands that "Value for Money" isn't just about spreadsheets; it’s about ensuring every pound saved is a pound reinvested back into the classroom. At Kemnal, we believe that every child deserves an outstanding education. As one of the largest Multi-Academy Trusts in the South of England—supporting 45 Primary and Secondary Academies—our mission is to significantly improve the life chances of all our pupils. Reporting directly to the Head of Procurement & Contracts, you will be a key player in delivering strategic projects across the Trust. You won’t just be processing paperwork; you’ll be a specialist advisor, leading a programme of compliant procurement projects (quotes, tenders, and direct awards) that keep our schools running efficiently. What You’ll Do * Lead & Deliver: Manage the end-to-end procurement lifecycle—from preparing fit-for-purpose tender documents to moderating submissions and awarding contracts. * Advise: Act as the subject matter expert for Headteachers, Business Managers, and Senior Leadership on Public Contracts Regulations and Kemnal strategy. * Negotiate: Interface with suppliers to drive down costs while maintaining high quality, and step in when performance levels don't meet our standards. * Innovate: Support the development of sustainable procurement and find technological tools to better manage contract compliance. * Collaborate: Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to ensure their specific school needs are met through robust contracts. Who You Are * Qualified: You hold a CIPS Level 4 Diploma (or working towards). * Experienced: You have a broad background in procurement, with at least 3 years of public sector or equivalent regulated body experience running end-to-end tenders and are able to demonstrate full familiarity with PCR 2015 and Procurement Act 2023. * Analytical: You are proficient at analysing data and can dive into complex statistical data to monitor costs, inflation, and performance. * Tech-Savvy: You are proficient with Google Suite and e-tendering platforms such as Gov. find a tender. * Mobile: You have a full driving licence and are ready when requested to travel across our regions to visit our schools. Investing in our employees wellbeing and career development is a priority for us, as the Procurement and Contracts Partner we can offer you : * Excellent ongoing CPD and training programs with a wealth of high quality development opportunities for all stages of career * Coaching and mentoring from the academy’s experienced leadership team * Friendly and supportive environment, where everyone is committed to a work life balance * The opportunity to be part of exciting development and innovative change * Cycle to work scheme * Free eye tests * Employee Assistance Programme - free & confidential advice on a variety of subjects ranging from physical and mental health to financial help About Kemnal We are The Kemnal Academies Trust - one of the UK’s leading and largest Multi-Academy trusts. Led by a team of educationalists, the trust is a family academies offering a welcoming and empowering learning environment for students and their employees. Driven by a desire to ensure every child, no matter their background, gets a high-quality education, the Trust’s leadership team focuses on “doing what’s right over doing what’s easy.” This is a place of purpose, vision and ambition for both our 22,500 learners and our 3,500 employees. We have a flexible approach to interviews and can offer a range of dates and times to suit your personal circumstances. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of applications. Please note, this vacancy will close at midday on 01/07/26 Safeguarding Kemnal is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Offers of employment will be subject to the full safer recruitment process, including an enhanced disclosure and barring service check. Flexible working Kemnal recognises the value of enabling our employees to develop their career and balance this with their commitments and interests outside of work. In TKAT we promote flexible working practices and opportunities to promote a positive work life balance. Our Commitment - Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging We are committed to Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging. We embrace and celebrate differences, value individual experiences, aspirations, and achievements, and continuously learn how to grow better together. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, as we believe diversity strengthens our community and drives us forward. Access to interview Be Who You Are at Kemnal - should you be selected and invited to interview please let us know if you require us to adapt the recruitment process to enable you to participate as your authentic self. We want applicants to be able to engage with us in ways that support who they are and we are committed to making adjustments within the recruitment process and within the workplace.