Head of Procurement & Contracts
| Posting date: | 03 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | £73,071.00 per annum |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 05 March 2026 |
| Location: | UK |
| Company: | TKAT (The Kemnal Academies Trust) |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 3263 |
Summary
Job Advert
(Y)Our Opportunity
AT TKAT, WE DON'T BELIEVE IN "GAMING THE SYSTEM" OR CHASING VANITY METRICS. IN AN ORGANIZATION OF OUR SCALE, SPANNING 45 ACADEMIES
AND THOUSANDS OF COLLEAGUES, OPERATIONAL SUCCESS IS BUILT ON TRANSPARENCY, SUSTAINABLE GROWTH, AND PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE.
We are looking for a commercial architect who understands that in a large Multi-Academy Trust, the "bottom line" is about the
efficient, ethical distribution of resources. We play a vital role in the wider system, and we need a leader who values
partnerships over paperwork and integrity over "spin." The Head of Procurement and Contracts will be an innovative self starter,
focused on developing and implementing a high function procurement service.
THE ROLE
This is a pivotal leadership role within TKAT, responsible for shaping and delivering a Trust-wide procurement and contracts
strategy that drives value, innovation, and compliance.
Reporting to the Chief Finance Officer, you will lead a dedicated team to ensure our resources are used effectively across the
Trust. From IT and Catering to Estates and Corporate Services, you will be the commercial heart of the Trust, ensuring every
contract aligns with our mission to inspire a community of aspirational learners.
Your Key Impact Areas:
* Strategic Leadership: Develop a forward-looking procurement strategy that balances commercial acumen with our educational goals.
* Operational Excellence: Lead complex, high-value tenders (PCR 2015 / PA 2023) and oversee contract management that ensures
quality for our schools.
* Empowering Others: Mentor a high-performing team and partner with Headteachers and Business Managers to provide tailored,
value-driven solutions.
* Integrity & Collaboration: Act as a trusted advisor to the Board, ensuring our growth is sustainable and our partnerships are
ethical.
ABOUT YOU
You are a professionally qualified procurement expert (MCIPS) who thrives in complex, multi-site environments. You are "digitally
fluent" and possess the commercial acumen to negotiate for the best outcomes, but you do so with the empathy and respect that
defines our culture.
Ready to build something sustainable?
We are looking for a specific mindset. You might be the right person if:
* Have extensive experience leading procurement functions in the public or complex private sectors.
* Can translate technical procurement data into clear, impactful insights for Executive Boards.
* Are a collaborative "bridge-builder" who enjoys supporting colleagues and sharing knowledge.
* Are passionate about social mobility and want your work to have a tangible impact on the lives of children.
Strategic Leadership Starts with a Great Community: Your Benefits
We support our Head of Procurement with a bespoke benefits package centered on professional growth, personal wellbeing, and
financial security.
* Executive CPD & Strategic Training: Access high-level professional development tailored to senior leadership and advanced
procurement strategy.
* Executive Coaching & Mentoring: Receive dedicated guidance and peer-to-peer insight from our Trust’s executive leadership team.
* Funded Professional Accreditations: Expand your credentials with funded opportunities for MCIPS or other relevant high-level
management qualifications.
* Headspace Subscription: Enjoy free, full access to the world’s leading mindfulness app to maintain focus and balance in a
high-stakes role.
* Eight-Week Mindfulness Programme: Participate in a free, expert-led mindfulness course (8 x 90-minute out-of-hours sessions) to
support mental resilience.
* Blue Light Card Eligibility: Save more on shopping, dining, and travel with access to the UK’s premier discount scheme for the
education sector.
* Cycle to Work Scheme: Enjoy a healthier, more sustainable commute by spreading the cost of a new bike and equipment.
* Generous Local Government Pension Scheme: Secure your future with substantial employer contributions toward your long-term
financial wellbeing.
* A Supportive, Innovative Culture: Join a forward-thinking central team that values data-driven decision-making, champions
work-life balance, and empowers you to drive meaningful change across the Trust.
Why Join Us?
This is more than a procurement role; it’s an opportunity to shape the future of education. We offer a workplace where you have
the autonomy to innovate, the support to grow, and the knowledge that your work has a tangible, positive impact on society.
We have high ambitions for our pupils. If you have high ambitions for your career and want them to align with a clear moral
purpose, we want to hear from you!
We have a flexible approach to interviews and can offer a range of dates and times to suit your personal circumstances.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of applications.
Safeguarding
TKAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this
commitment. Offers of employment will be subject to the full safer recruitment process, including an enhanced disclosure and
barring service check.
Flexible working
TKAT recognises the value of enabling our employees to develop their career and balance this with their commitments and interests
outside of work. In TKAT we promote flexible working practices and opportunities to promote a positive work life balance.
Our Commitment - Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging
At TKAT, we are committed to Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging. We embrace and celebrate differences, value individual
experiences, aspirations, and achievements, and continuously learn how to grow better together. We actively encourage applications
from candidates of all backgrounds, as we believe diversity strengthens our community and drives us forward.
Access to interview
Be Who You Are at TKAT - should you be selected and invited to interview please let us know if you require us to adapt the
recruitment process to enable you to participate as your authentic self. We want applicants to be able to engage with us in ways
that support who they are and we are committed to making adjustments within the recruitment process and within the workplace.
(Y)Our Opportunity
AT TKAT, WE DON'T BELIEVE IN "GAMING THE SYSTEM" OR CHASING VANITY METRICS. IN AN ORGANIZATION OF OUR SCALE, SPANNING 45 ACADEMIES
AND THOUSANDS OF COLLEAGUES, OPERATIONAL SUCCESS IS BUILT ON TRANSPARENCY, SUSTAINABLE GROWTH, AND PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE.
We are looking for a commercial architect who understands that in a large Multi-Academy Trust, the "bottom line" is about the
efficient, ethical distribution of resources. We play a vital role in the wider system, and we need a leader who values
partnerships over paperwork and integrity over "spin." The Head of Procurement and Contracts will be an innovative self starter,
focused on developing and implementing a high function procurement service.
THE ROLE
This is a pivotal leadership role within TKAT, responsible for shaping and delivering a Trust-wide procurement and contracts
strategy that drives value, innovation, and compliance.
Reporting to the Chief Finance Officer, you will lead a dedicated team to ensure our resources are used effectively across the
Trust. From IT and Catering to Estates and Corporate Services, you will be the commercial heart of the Trust, ensuring every
contract aligns with our mission to inspire a community of aspirational learners.
Your Key Impact Areas:
* Strategic Leadership: Develop a forward-looking procurement strategy that balances commercial acumen with our educational goals.
* Operational Excellence: Lead complex, high-value tenders (PCR 2015 / PA 2023) and oversee contract management that ensures
quality for our schools.
* Empowering Others: Mentor a high-performing team and partner with Headteachers and Business Managers to provide tailored,
value-driven solutions.
* Integrity & Collaboration: Act as a trusted advisor to the Board, ensuring our growth is sustainable and our partnerships are
ethical.
ABOUT YOU
You are a professionally qualified procurement expert (MCIPS) who thrives in complex, multi-site environments. You are "digitally
fluent" and possess the commercial acumen to negotiate for the best outcomes, but you do so with the empathy and respect that
defines our culture.
Ready to build something sustainable?
We are looking for a specific mindset. You might be the right person if:
* Have extensive experience leading procurement functions in the public or complex private sectors.
* Can translate technical procurement data into clear, impactful insights for Executive Boards.
* Are a collaborative "bridge-builder" who enjoys supporting colleagues and sharing knowledge.
* Are passionate about social mobility and want your work to have a tangible impact on the lives of children.
Strategic Leadership Starts with a Great Community: Your Benefits
We support our Head of Procurement with a bespoke benefits package centered on professional growth, personal wellbeing, and
financial security.
* Executive CPD & Strategic Training: Access high-level professional development tailored to senior leadership and advanced
procurement strategy.
* Executive Coaching & Mentoring: Receive dedicated guidance and peer-to-peer insight from our Trust’s executive leadership team.
* Funded Professional Accreditations: Expand your credentials with funded opportunities for MCIPS or other relevant high-level
management qualifications.
* Headspace Subscription: Enjoy free, full access to the world’s leading mindfulness app to maintain focus and balance in a
high-stakes role.
* Eight-Week Mindfulness Programme: Participate in a free, expert-led mindfulness course (8 x 90-minute out-of-hours sessions) to
support mental resilience.
* Blue Light Card Eligibility: Save more on shopping, dining, and travel with access to the UK’s premier discount scheme for the
education sector.
* Cycle to Work Scheme: Enjoy a healthier, more sustainable commute by spreading the cost of a new bike and equipment.
* Generous Local Government Pension Scheme: Secure your future with substantial employer contributions toward your long-term
financial wellbeing.
* A Supportive, Innovative Culture: Join a forward-thinking central team that values data-driven decision-making, champions
work-life balance, and empowers you to drive meaningful change across the Trust.
Why Join Us?
This is more than a procurement role; it’s an opportunity to shape the future of education. We offer a workplace where you have
the autonomy to innovate, the support to grow, and the knowledge that your work has a tangible, positive impact on society.
We have high ambitions for our pupils. If you have high ambitions for your career and want them to align with a clear moral
purpose, we want to hear from you!
We have a flexible approach to interviews and can offer a range of dates and times to suit your personal circumstances.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of applications.
Safeguarding
TKAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this
commitment. Offers of employment will be subject to the full safer recruitment process, including an enhanced disclosure and
barring service check.
Flexible working
TKAT recognises the value of enabling our employees to develop their career and balance this with their commitments and interests
outside of work. In TKAT we promote flexible working practices and opportunities to promote a positive work life balance.
Our Commitment - Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging
At TKAT, we are committed to Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging. We embrace and celebrate differences, value individual
experiences, aspirations, and achievements, and continuously learn how to grow better together. We actively encourage applications
from candidates of all backgrounds, as we believe diversity strengthens our community and drives us forward.
Access to interview
Be Who You Are at TKAT - should you be selected and invited to interview please let us know if you require us to adapt the
recruitment process to enable you to participate as your authentic self. We want applicants to be able to engage with us in ways
that support who they are and we are committed to making adjustments within the recruitment process and within the workplace.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.