Procurement and Contracts Manager

What skills and experience we're looking for

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.

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 the school offers its staff

The Harris Federation is a leading education charity with 55 Harris primary and secondary academies across London and Essex. The founder, Chairman and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We now educate some 38,000 young people and closing the gap between children from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers has always been a core mission.

The Harris Federation has a track record of accomplishment in achieving success through rapid school improvement and has built an unrivalled reputation for running outstanding academies in London.

Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed 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 to senior leadership.We look for talented individuals who share our vision for creating exceptional places of learning, and are committed to ensuring that every child in London has access to the best possible education.In addition to the opportunities for career progression, training and development, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance, a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan and many other benefits.

Further details about the role

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.

Commitment to safeguarding

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants. Before applying, please review our Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders.