Procurement & Contracts Lead - Learning Academy Partnership

This is a new opportunity for an experienced procurement professional to join Learning Academy Partnership and play a key role in delivering value for money, compliance and high quality services across our community of schools. Working as part of our Business Support Team, you will lead procurement and contract management activity, ensuring that procurement processes are robust, compliant and deliver the best possible outcomes for our schools, colleagues and communities. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact by helping us maximise resources so that more can be invested in improving educational outcomes for children. You'll work closely with senior leaders, budget holders and suppliers to manage a programme of procurement projects, deliver competitive tender exercises, improve contract management arrangements and identify opportunities for cost savings and service improvement. We're proud to hold Silver Investors in People accreditation, reflecting our commitment to creating a workplace where colleagues feel valued, supported and able to flourish. Joining us means becoming part of a values-led organisation where collaboration, continuous improvement and making a positive difference are at the heart of everything we do.What You'll Do Working across our organisation, you will:

• Lead and deliver procurement projects and tender exercises, ensuring they are completed on time and in line with procurement regulations and organisational policies.
• Manage the procurement process from initial planning and specification development through to contract award and implementation.
• Review existing contracts and identify opportunities to improve value for money, service quality and operational efficiency.
• Develop positive relationships with colleagues, suppliers and stakeholders, providing expert advice and support throughout the procurement lifecycle.
• Support effective contract management and supplier performance monitoring to ensure services meet agreed expectations.
• Contribute to strong governance, risk management and continuous improvement through accurate reporting, compliance and best practice procurement.
  
  Passionate about delivering excellent services and value for money that ultimately support the best outcomes for children and communities.
• Professionally qualified in procurement, or working towards a recognised qualification such as CIPS.
• Experienced in leading procurement and tendering activities within a public sector, education or other regulated environment.
• Knowledgeable about procurement legislation, contract management and good governance practices.
• A confident communicator who can build strong relationships, influence stakeholders and provide clear advice and guidance.
• Organised, analytical and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high standards of accuracy and compliance.
• Committed to continuous improvement, professional integrity and working collaboratively with others to achieve shared goals., If you're an experienced procurement professional looking for an opportunity to lead, influence and make a difference within a values-led organisation, we'd love to hear from you. Our work is guided by four core beliefs
  
  An opportunity to make a significant impact across a growing organisation.
• A varied and rewarding role with strategic influence.
• The chance to lead meaningful procurement and contract management activity that supports excellent educational provision.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• A commitment to colleague wellbeing and work-life balance.
• Family-friendly policies and colleague benefits, including our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays.