Procurement Manager

Salary:
Up to £50,000 depending on experience

We are looking for someone who will support the deliverance of smart procurement decisions, organisational strategy and ensure a high degree of ethical and best value for money is achieved, across all spend activities.

Those huge small victories

We are the highest Ofsted-rated provider in the country for special education and care. Our teams are fulfilled by the idea of making even the smallest positive changes in our young people, so we celebrate the little things.

For children with complex needs the level of care and education we provide must go above and beyond. That’s what drives us here at Witherslack Group. With our high staff-to-child ratio and in-house clinical teams, we’re proud to have won a reputation for excellence and market leading OFSTED ratings.

Get out what you put in

This is an exciting group wide role where you will get the chance to continue the growth of  our procurement strategy. Reporting directly into our Head of Procurement and working with internal and external stakeholders, you will help to review our current practices and implement our approach to procurement. As a Procurement Manager for Witherslack Group you will ensure compliance with procurement regulations and identify savings and benefits for the group.

You will effectively support in the management of a range of stakeholders within Witherslack Group, leading the development, planning and implementation of a strategy that optimises value for money, enabling our schools and homes continue to provide the best level of education and care to our young people.

Bring your whole-self to work

Here at Witherslack Group, we celebrate everyone’s differences as that’s what makes us the best at what we do. Our young people come from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds and with different needs – and our workforce reflects that diversity, so that our teams can engage, encourage and inspire our young people to be themselves. We’ll give you the chance to build an exciting career in a fast-growing organisation, where you’re free to achieve your potential.

Here’s what we need from you;

Key Responsibilities

Prepare and manage tender documentation and support evaluations.

Organise and manage meetings (e.g., Tender Working Party, Contract Review).

Maintain supplier documentation and contracts database.

Liaise with stakeholders, respond to queries, and provide advice.

Request benchmarking data from suppliers.

Manage and update supplier contracts register; review spend reports.

Support new procurement processes and communicate changes.

Complete administrative tasks using Excel and other IT systems.

Carry out other duties as directed by the Procurement Team.

Demonstrate commercial awareness and promote company objectives.

Attend relevant meetings and comply with policies.

Safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people.

Follow established practices, undertake training, and adapt to new systems.

Person Specification – Skills & Experience

Proven procurement management experience within multi-site organisations (education sector desirable).

Experience with negotiating commercial contract terms

Ability to manage multiple categories and deliver the full end-to-end tender process.

Strong stakeholder and end-user focus.

Project management capability; commercially astute with excellent negotiation skills.

Experience in service procurement, contract administration, and supplier management.

Skilled in identifying procurement risks and applying appropriate tender models.

Excellent organisational and reporting skills.

What we do for you

We know you’re going to do great things. For your hard work and commitment, we reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the care sector. With us, you’ll get to make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people – plus you’ll get:

Salary:
Base salary of up to £50,000

Training: CIPS course (after successful completion of probation)

Holiday:
You’ll work hard at WG, so you’ll be rewarded with 7 weeks’ holiday

Flexible benefits package: meaning you can increase/decrease your holiday allowance, pension and life insurance – check out our benefits

Wellbeing: a host of…