Procurement Assistant

Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Thursday 08 October 2026

Reference: 0787-26

At EPNE our ‘purpose’ is our north star. It is what we expect of ourselves every single day and why we ask all staff to keep our purpose front and centre in all that they do.

Our Purpose is to“unlock potential, create opportunities, and transform lives through outstanding education, skills and training”. Rooted in our transformative power, it communicates our work in tackling inequalities, removing barriers, and improving the life chances of the people and communities we serve.

We nurture our very special culture. Our unifying values framework“The actions we take the choices we make
- The actions I take the choices I make”represent the character of our college group, and are grounded in the belief that every action, by every individual, contributes to our success. This why we encourage empowered individuals, personal accountability and growth.

Building on our remarkable past, creativity and pioneering spirit, we are moving forward with courage into the future, improving what we do, remaining action-orientated, and innovating to make an exceptional difference for the world we live in.

Shaping futures for a better tomorrow,join ourchangemakingcommunity now.

Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which EPNE was graded as being Outstanding across all areas
- Ofsted-Report-Outstanding

As an employer, we prioritize cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.

Education Partnership North East 31 subscribers

The Procurement Assistant will gain practical experience of working within a busy operational procurement team whilst learning and developing public-sector procurement skills. The role requires excellent organisational, communication and administration skills.

The experience and knowledge gained will provide a strong foundation level to progress in a procurement related career.

Working as part of the procurement team, under the supervision of colleagues and reporting to the Director of Procurement, the Procurement Assistant will develop their knowledge base and apply Public Sector Contracting in line with Public Sector Regulations. The candidate will be required to obtain and retain Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS membership).

• Administrative processes within the department to include, due diligence on supplier applications, maintaining the Contract Register, working to Standard Operating Procedures
• Supporting Procurement Staff in facilitating Tender Processes and Contract Management
• Lead on quotation processes to deliver successful contractual outcomes that deliver VfM for all EPNE stakeholders
• Navigate, maintain and populate e-Tendering Portal, e-Procurement Platforms, Contract Management System, Helpdesk, E-Card’s and P2P Software to expedite both operational and transactional duties
• Procure goods and services in alignment to Financial Regulations through a variety of purchasing routes
• Facilitate where appropriate trials and evaluations of services, equipment and achieve best VfM in line with policy and processes.
• Identify / compare products requested and propose suitable alternatives looking to maximise savings whenever possible
• Resolving internal customer queries seeking guidance and advice whenever required
• Develop professional working relationships with the Finance Team and other internal and external stakeholders
• Interpreting purchasing data with relation to indirect procurement of goods and services
• Present clear information, both technical and…