About this opportunity
Are you a driven procurement professional ready to make a real impact across a dynamic and growing Federation? We are seeking a highly capable Procurement and Contracts Manager to lead and deliver compliant, high‑quality procurement activity that supports our academies to thrive.
Main areas of responsibility
You will play a key operational role in delivering compliant, high‑quality procurement activity across the Federation. With a focus on strategic sourcing & tendering, you will focus on, lead and manage end‑to‑end procurement exercises, including regulated FTS tenders and framework‑based awards, maintain oversight of the procurement pipeline, and actively support academies in selecting and using compliant procurement routes. The role has a strong emphasis on forward planning, market engagement, regulatory compliance, and practical academy support to reduce risk and avoid reactive or non‑compliant procurement activity.
What we are looking for
* Minimum Level 4 CIPS qualification
* Public sector experience (at least five years in a similar role)
* Strong experience delivering regulated procurements, including FTS tenders
* Proven use of public sector frameworks and DPSs
* Ability to advise stakeholders on compliant procurement routes
* Solid understanding of framework structures, call‑offs, and mini‑competitions
* Strong knowledge of public procurement regulations and best practice
* Experience supporting academies or devolved organisations
* Demonstrated contract management experience
* Analytical skills and ability to interpret data
Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
* Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
* Strong IT skills, including MS Office and procurement systems
What we can offer you
Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top‑quality training programmes delivered at every level.
You will also have access to a variety of benefits, support programmes and initiatives including:
* Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
* Annual performance and loyalty bonus
* Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution
* 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts
* Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
* Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
* Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
* Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
* 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
* Interest‑free ICT and season ticket loans
For most non‑teaching staff based at our Head Office in East Croydon, we also offer lifestyle friendly working arrangements including flexible start and end times, and hybrid working with two days from home and three days on site.
Equal Opportunities
The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.
Safeguarding Notice
The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.
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