Procurement Manager
Location: Bolton (Hybrid working 2 days in the office)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Mon-Fri 9-5
Salary: Up to £55,000 per annum (dependent on experience and qualifications)
About Outcomes First Group
Outcomes First Group is the largest independent provider of high-quality special needs education and care, serving communities across England, Scotland, and Wales. We are proud of our Great Place to Work certification, which we have achieved for six consecutive years. We’re reimagining work/life balance – as part of the 4‑Day Working Week trial, we offer 80% of normal hours while maintaining full pay.
The Role
As Procurement Manager, you will lead the procurement function across multiple categories, including infrastructure, fleet management, and operational resources. Responsibilities include ensuring procurement activities meet high standards of quality, compliance, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness while aligning with strategic growth objectives.
What You'll Do
* Lead, plan, and coordinate procurement exercises across the business in a cost-effective and efficient way.
* Lead procurement for new site openings, including sourcing equipment, utilities, and vehicles.
* Manage and develop the procurement team, providing leadership, guidance, and support to ensure high performance and continuous improvement.
* Ensure all procurement processes adhere to internal policies and external regulatory requirements.
* Monitor supplier performance and ensure delivery of goods and services meets quality standards.
* Carry out due diligence checks on suppliers to ensure compliance and quality standards.
* Maintain supplier databases, contract registers, and succession planning strategies.
* Oversee tenders, price reviews, and onboarding of new suppliers.
* Collaborate with internal stakeholders to forecast needs and align procurement with operational plans.
* Manage the fleet, including ordering new vehicles, ongoing support, and de‑fleet and reallocation processes.
* Prepare procurement reports to track suppliers and costs.
* Negotiate supplier contracts, ensuring favourable terms and value for money.
* Provide a customer-focused procurement service, handling supplier complaints and disputes effectively.
What We're Looking For
* Proven experience in procurement management, ideally within education, healthcare, or multi-site operations.
* Strong understanding of compliance frameworks, quality assurance, and sustainability requirements in procurement.
* Commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
* Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
* Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
* Familiarity with procurement systems and compliance frameworks.
* Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive decisions.
* Track record of achieving cost efficiencies.
Benefits
* Life Assurance
* Pension scheme with options to increase contributions.
* “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to mental health support services and physical health checks.
* Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, paid fertility treatment support.
* Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista – choose health, wellbeing, insurance, discount, cycle‑to‑work schemes, electric car purchase scheme, critical illness cover.
Equal Opportunity
We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Additional Information
4DWW is subject to successful completion of your probation period and is not a contractual benefit. The vacancy may close early if a high volume of suitable applications is received. Our recruitment process follows Keeping Children Safe in Education guidelines.
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