Procurement and Contracts Manager

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.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION.

WORKING WITH US

The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.

We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.

Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.

To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the Why Work For Us page.

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

We would like to hear from you if you have:

• 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

For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.

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.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

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.

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.