Procurement and Contracts Manager

New Bridge Multi-Academy Trust is a vibrant, aspirational and inclusive multi-academy trust of eight special schools and two specialist post-16 provisions across Oldham, Tameside and Rochdale. As part of the wider New Bridge Group there are also two post-19 provisions. Our settings support a wide spectrum of needs from age 4-19 and beyond. The Trust is proud to be national leaders in Special Education and has a culture of creating outstanding opportunities for all. We are at an exciting point in our development, and this role will play a key role in supporting our schools and leaders to deliver high quality education through excellent people management., We are looking to appoint an experienced procurement professional to lead a compliant, valuedriven procurement function across the Trust. The role combines strategic leadership with handson delivery of procurement, contract and supplier management across schools and central services, ensuring best use of public funds and supporting educational priorities. This is a key leadership role responsible for setting direction and providing expert oversight of procurement across the Trust. The postholder will champion value for money, compliance and commercial awareness, working closely with schools, the central team and suppliers to support the Trust's longterm sustainability.

We invite applications from individuals with substantial experience, ideally already in the public sector or a regulated environment. The successful candidate will have proven experience and skills around the below:

• Relevant qualification or significant experience in procurement, finance or commercial management (CIPS Level 4+ desirable)
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Experience of procurement and contract management in a public sector or regulated environment (education desirable)
• Proven ability to deliver value for money, cost savings and commercial benefits
• Confident advising and influencing nonspecialist stakeholders
• Strong knowledge of procurement regulations, compliance and governance
• Commercially aware with effective negotiation and contract management skills
• Strong data analysis, financial awareness and ability to manage multiple projects
• High standards of integrity, attention to detail and a collaborative, solutionfocused approach
• Willingness to work flexibly, travel across Trust sites and attend occasional outofhours meetings, with a commitment to supporting SEN environment
  
  Opportunity to make a real impact across a growing trust
• Flexible working arrangements, including options for hybrid working
• Generous annual leave and pension scheme
• High quality continuing professional development (CPD) through our dedicated Everyone Learning Team
• Hospital Saturday Fund Health Cash Plan, with discount platform and access to Perk Box
• Trust TOIL Scheme for all staff
• The opportunity to be part of our thriving team, who are committed to creating meaningful futures for both our students and staff
New Bridge MAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must have a commitment to safeguarding young people. This post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and references will be sought prior to interview. For all shortlisted candidates, an online search will also be carried out as part of our due diligence in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025.