Purchasing Professional

Job Title: Purchasing Professional

Location: Ashington, England

Salary: Band 5 £26,421 - £29,269 pro rata

Job Type: Permanent / Part-time, 22.5 hours per week, all year round

Closing Date: Friday 22nd March

Northumberland Church of England Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The Trust will provide an environment in which the personal attributes, strengths and academic excellence of staff will enable the creation of opportunities for all to develop their potential to the full; creating confident, independent, versatile and successful adults, equipped with the skills and values to meet the challenges of a changing society and to provide the best possible educational foundation for life.

It is essential that the post holder actively supports the vision and ethos of the Northumberland Church of England Academy.

The Role:

The purpose of this role is to provide an effective procurement function for the Trust, and provide advice and guidance on procurement matters. In return, the successful candidate will be part of an experienced team within a fast growing multi academy Trust that values growth and development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Follow financial and administrative procedures, reviewing and updating them to reflect current working practice as required
• Provide advice and support for all large, contractual procurement, or tender activities, defined annually in the finance procedures manual
• Research and compare suppliers, goods, and services to ensure the trust benefits from any economies of scale
• Carry out internal audits with school admin managers and teams to ensure financial information is an accurate representation of the transactions they claim to represent, and ensure that the data is collated appropriately and managed/stored correctly

Financial Records:

• Provide financial reports as required, such as collecting, analysing and reporting purchasing data and trends to track vendor performance
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of procurement records/information systems
• Maintain up to date and accurate records, filing and management information systems

Auditing:

• To be responsible for working with each school to improve their compliance of procurement and finance procedures
• To carry out internal audits with school admin managers and teams to ensure financial information is an accurate representation of the transactions they claim to represent, and ensure that the data is collated appropriately and managed/stored correctly
• To highlight and provide recommendations/remedies, escalating findings to relevant stakeholders

Please note the person undertaking this role is expected to work within the policies, ethos and aims of the school and to carry out such other duties as may reasonably be assigned. The duties and responsibilities highlighted in this job description are indicative and may vary over time.

The Candidate:

Experience:

• Considerable experience of electronic finance/procurement-based systems
• Considerable experience gained within a procurement office

Skills & Competencies:

• Ability to communicate with stakeholders (both internal and external) in a professional and timely manner to achieve a consistently high level of relations
• Able to undertake research and obtain information in order to make informed decisions
• Effective use of ICT and other specialist equipment /resources
• Strongly analytical, and competent in clearly communicate financial findings.
• Capable of self-motivating, and working both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to self-evaluate learning needs and actively seek learning opportunities
• Capable of prioritising and handling multiple demands of the role
• Proficient in dealing with customers of a demanding nature

Knowledge & Qualifications:

• 5 GCSE A* - C Grades (including Maths and English)
• Knowledge of PS Financials

Physical, Mental and Emotional Demands:

• Commitment to helping provide a high-quality service to children and families

Other:

• Willingness to participate in training and development
• Commitment to the needs of the organisation and learners
• Evidence of having undertaken learning outside of the work place

Benefits:

• Local Government Pension Scheme
• The Nest - Our nursery/childcare provision specifically for NCEAT staff
• Free Parking
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme - free 24/7 health and wellbeing support for all members of staff within the Trust
• 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (full time staff)

If you would like to develop your skills and make a difference within NCEAT, then we look forward to receiving your application!

NCEA Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Please click the APPLY button to send your CV for this role.

Candidates with the experience and relevant job titles of; Purchaser, Accounts Administrator, Procurement Executive, Procurement Operations, Procurement Admin, Purchasing Assistant, Finance Assistant, Accounts Auditing may also be considered for this role.