About Us

The National Institute of Teaching (NIoT) has an unswerving commitment to high quality, evidence-informed teacher education, and is on a mission to improve the quality of teacher and leader development across the system. 

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic team player to join us in the new role of Contracts and Procurement Manager. This is a newly created position, and the Procurement and Contracts Manager will play a pivotal role in optimising the procurement processes, driving cost savings to ensure 'Best Value' is achieved, coupled with ensuring compliance regulations are maintained.

Closing date 5pm, 17 June 2024

Corporate responsibilities:

·       To ensure that the responsibilities of the role are carried out in a way which reflects the mission and the values of the NIoT.

·       To be aware of and observe all policies, procedures, working practices and regulations, and in particular to comply with policies relating to Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety, Confidentiality, Data Protection and Financial Regulations, reporting any concerns to an appropriate person.

·       To comply with all reasonable management requests.

Key Responsibilities

·       Lead on all day-to-day contract management activity including issuing and reviewing contracts. 

·       Manage contractual obligations with Department for Education and other customers, including collating monthly reports and presenting MI to internal stakeholders. 

·       Build highly effective relationships to support our governance activities, including with key contacts at the Department for Education, anticipating and responding to needs as they arise  

·       Ensure systems are in place so the NIoT achieves value for money through compliant procurement and all risks are identified and mitigated.  

·       Provide a high level of procurement and purchasing support the NIoT. 

·       Ensure a compliant and robust documentation and audit trail are in place.  

·       Work with key stakeholders to create a procurement strategy delivers value for money and supports the NIoT mission.  

·       Create and implement clear strategies for buying goods and services that are in line with the NIoT’s wider objectives and goals. 

·       Forecast and plan supply requirements. 

·       Help the NIoT achieve the best value for money, level of service and quality standards when dealing with vendors and suppliers. 

·       Make sure that suppliers meet required standards, such as ISO accreditation or having the right insurance cover. 

·       Identify, build and maintain long-term, positive relationships with suppliers within the industry through effective communication, acting as the primary point of contact for the NIoT’s procurement process.  

·       Compare costs and specifications in the proposals that suppliers and vendors send. 

·       Maintain an up-to-date contracts register and review contracts with suppliers and vendors on behalf of the NIoT.  

·       Keep up to date with industry trends. 

·       Negotiate and agree terms with new and existing suppliers, ensuring purchasing is compliant and timely. 

·       Provide accurate, professional and expert advice and guidance across the NIoT on all procurement related matters. 

·       Interpret and implement the advice of experts in relation to procurement, getting input from a wide variety of sources in order to support decision making. 

·       Take a lead or support in the change management process arising from the appointment of new suppliers.  

·       Overseeing the Trust supplier ledger including working with key staff to maintain approved supplier list. 

·       Develop and maintain a NIoT bank of procurement resources to support purchasing across the business.  

·       Lead the procurement strategy across the NIoT, supporting individual projects and tenders across the Trust by either leading, advising or taking part in the procurement process. 

·       Work with the COO and Director of Finance to develop and implement standard operating procedures to ensure that the operation of finance is effective, efficient, consistent, and reliable. 

Essential Criteria

·       Procurement and Contract Management Experience.  

·       Experience of using eTendering platforms.  

·       Able to undertake benchmarking, market review and market engagement.  

·       Ability to undertake financial analysis and due diligence checks.  

·       Commercial contract law experience and knowledge.  

·       Experience and understanding of commercial risk, and the ability to identify, mitigate and escalate as appropriate.  

·       Ability to develop positive relationships and utilising negotiating and influencing skills to produce a positive outcome

·       A commitment to the aims of the National Institute of Teaching

·       An interest in the education sector and a belief in the value of teachers and school leaders 

·       Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

·       Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills

·       Proficient in the use of MS Office software packages, such as Word, Excel and Outlook, as well as search engines and online databases  

Desirable Criteria

·       Membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply or studying towards MCIPS status.  

·       Experience of working in an educational establishment or public sector environment.  

Diversity and Inclusion

The National Institute of Teaching is committed to creating a diverse environment and ensuring that all qualified applicants receive equal consideration for employment. We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment practices and are open to job shares, secondments, part-time, and flexible working schedules.

We think a wide range of different work and educational experiences could support you to be successful in this role. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities.

Notes:  

This document is an overview of the role.  

The responsibilities will include but will not be limited to those listed above and it is anticipated that the role will evolve over time and as such the duties may change.  

This document does not form part of the contract of employment.  

This post requires a satisfactory references, a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health Check is required as a condition of employment.