About The Role The Head of Procurement will be responsible for ensuring that the Ark network achieves value for money in all areas of significant spend. They will implement effective procurement solutions that ensure pupils and staff are able to access equipment and services that meet their needs, are compliant with public sector procurement rules and provide value for money. Key Responsibilities

Own and deliver the Trust’s procurement strategy, defining which categories of spend are best managed centrally and which are delegated to schools. Identify and deliver significant savings by providing procurement solutions across all areas of material spend while improving service quality and outcomes for schools. Oversee all procurement tenders over £50,000, supporting and training schools to manage their own tenders where appropriate, whilst being responsible for central tenders over £50,000. Lead on key supplier management, including overseeing the control of new suppliers and the development of strategies to help manage preferred supplier networks throughout the group. Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including senior leaders in schools and central teams, suppliers and customers, acting as a trusted adviser on procurement matters. Represent the Trust externally, including participation in MAT procurement networks to look at ways large MATs can work together to share best practice. Manage and develop the Procurement team, setting clear priorities and performance expectations. Report on procurement savings and efficiencies, including annual reporting to the Risk & Audit Committee and termly updates to the Management Team.

You will have:

Degree level qualification or equivalent MCIPS or other relevant qualification in Procurement and Supply (Desirable) Significant experience in procurement leadership, ideally within a multi-site public sector, charity or education environment. Strong background in supplier relationship and contract management. Demonstrable experience managing tender processes, negotiating contracts, and delivering cost saving. Experience managing and developing a procurement team.

First round interviews will be held on Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th April at our office in White City, with second round interviews taking place on Monday 20th April. Benefits

Hybrid working model: minimum of two days per week in our state‑of‑the‑art office in West London with flexibility to work remotely for the remaining days. Employees can request to work fully remotely for up to 10 working days a year, whether in the UK or abroad. Flexitime policy allowing work around core hours of 10:00 – 16:00. 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising with each year of service up to 30 days after 3 years’ service. Pro‑rated for part‑time employees. Excludes bank holidays. Full office closure between Christmas and New Year. Pension scheme: TPT (The Pension Trust) with 11% contribution; employees may also be entitled to LGPS a defined benefit scheme. Access to high‑quality professional learning throughout your career. Access to Ark Rewards scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers, interest‑free loans for season tickets or a bike, gym discounts up to 40% off local gym and free eye tests.

About Us Ark is an education charity that exists to make sure that all children, regardless of their background, have access to a great education and real choices in life. Our network of 39 schools reaches traditionally underserved communities in Birmingham, Hastings, London and Portsmouth. We educate 30,000 pupils and have nearly 3,000 teaching staff across our network. We also incubate and scale innovative ventures, which we roll out beyond our network of schools for the benefit of teachers, pupils and the education system as a whole. Current Ventures include Ark Curriculum Plus, which equips teachers with the subject expertise needed to ensure students succeed, and Ark Start, a growing chain of nurseries offering affordable, high‑quality early years education. Recently, Ark moved to new offices at EdCity – a unique not‑for‑profit development in West London, in partnership with Hammersmith & Fulham Council. EdCity is designed to bring mission‑aligned organisations together to focus on improving the lives of children, especially through education. It offers leased offices, a range of venues for training and events, and an innovation hub for the education sector to connect, collaborate and learn together. Diversity and Inclusion We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone – staff and students – can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective. To know more about Ark’s diversity and inclusion commitments, please click the link. Safeguarding Statement Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. Disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment; it will depend on the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. Further information about Ark’s safer recruitment process is available. Please note we will be reviewing applications on an on‑going basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage you to submit your application at your earliest convenience. For any questions, please contact recruitment@arkonline.org. #J-18808-Ljbffr