Job Summary
As Procurement Officer you will undertake a broad and exciting range of procurement activity, achieve innovative and value-added solutions, and support contract management on behalf of the Trust.
You will be responsible for the development and implementation of the trust's procurement strategy, advise stakeholders on best practice in the procurement and contract management of goods, services and projects, to ensure that the Trust makes the best possible use of resources in line with its strategic priorities.
Responsibilities
· Provide effective purchasing and procurement services for the Trust and contribute to the development and implementation of the Trust's procurement strategy.
· Undertake all aspects of procurement activities in line with the procurement policy to ensure the achievement of the Trust's procurement strategy, fulfilling the on-going requirements of the Trust and complying with procurement guidelines.
· To negotiate, manage and monitor contract, tenders and agreements for the provision of services and products with a view to cost effectiveness and value for money, utilising DfE framework agreements as appropriate.
· Maintain the Trust's contract register to accurately record the status of all contracts held and review these schedules for renewal to support the Trusts strategic priorities.
· Develop and maintain template documents and guidelines for the Trust to use and incorporate changes in line with legislation and national procurement initiatives in a timely manner.
· Advance strategies to ensure cost savings, quality improvements and supplier performance targets are met or exceeded. Facilitate contract monitoring meetings with key suppliers and Trust staff (post contact award) where beneficial to do so.
· Work alongside finance colleagues to forecast levels of demand for services and products and conduct research to source the best products and suppliers in terms of best value, delivery schedules and quality.
· Review all contract terms and conditions, including General Data Protection Regulations and Safeguarding, to ensure the products and services are appropriate for the Trust, including the negotiation of new contract terms if required.
· Provide procurement advice and interpretation to guidelines and legislation to staff and academies in the Trust to ensure they meet all legal obligations.
· Analyse the levels of spend across the Trust and identify areas for savings and efficiencies.
· Benchmark against comparable organisations in both the public and private sectors on a range of effective performance metrics to enable value for money, good practice and continuous improvements in the Trust.
· Prepare reports and statistical information as required and make recommendations to support the Trust to make decisions on future Trust priorities and requirements.
· Build and maintain good relationships with new and existing suppliers.
· Assist staff and academies in the Trust in writing contract terms that incorporate value for money principles.
· Provide staff training and information about procurement to improve procurement processes across the Trust.
· Undertake projects and initiatives as directed by the Director of Finance and Head of Operations to support the work of the Trust Shared Services Team.
· Source and work with intermediary brokers where applicable when tendering contracts or renewals.
Keep up to date with trends, innovations, and regulations
Skills
· Excellent people skills, able to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
· Strong negotiation skills
· Ability to work and influence at all levels within and outside the organisation and a recognition of professional boundaries
· Ability to form sound relationships with staff and the wider school community
· Ability to work proactively to develop strong relationships with other educational establishments, the Local Authority and other partners
· Ability to deal with demanding situations and resolve conflict
· Ability to motivate self and others
· Excellent verbal, written and communication skills
· Excellent organisational skills and the ability to continuously prioritise own workload
· Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines
· Ability to produce a range of reports and statistical information
· Good IT skills
· Ability to work flexibly and use own initiative to achieve objectives
· Ability to seek out, manage and influence opportunities for continuous improvement and change
· Knowledge of Procurement Act 2023, tendering processes and contract management, preferably gained in a school or public sector setting
· Up-to-date knowledge and understanding of the General Data Protection Regulation 2018
· Proven record of contract negotiation skills in a medium to large organisation
· Project management skills
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £36,363.00-£39,152.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Cycle to work scheme
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person