Your Role

First Federation Trust are seeking to appoint a full time Head of IT Procurement. We are looking to appoint a qualified, dynamic and innovative individual with strong interpersonal skills and an extensive background in IT development and general business procurement and contracts management. The postholder is responsible for leading on large scale projects as well as providing strategic direction, strong and robust financial management, whilst being a key member of the Trust's Senior Leadership Team.

This is a hybrid role that will require attendance at one of our Trust offices.

The Head of IT and Procurement will lead on the development and implementation of the IT Strategy and end-to-end procurement process, managing projects for complex activities delivering the best possible commercial outcomes for the Trust. The successful candidate will have:

• At least 3 years post professional qualification experience and evidence of ongoing CPD
• Strong focus on controls and processes and a high attention to detail
• Experience of leading IT in a multi-site organisation
• Experience of leading contract management/procurement within a medium-large complex organisation
• Working knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations relating to procurement and contract management
• Experience as a strategic leader

If you would like to discuss the role, please contact Helen Warren, Director of Operations on 01626 244920.

Skills

Experience

Educated to degree level or equivalent professional experience in IT, Information Systems, Procurement or related field
essential

Effective decision-making skills with the ability to influence and negotiate with key stakeholders.
essential

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
essential

Ability to make sound business decisions based on analysis, interpretation and understanding of relevant data and information.
essential

Working knowledge of GDPR and ability to work confidentially, adopting best practice and maintaining updated knowledge of relevant legislation.
essential

Readiness to accept and implement change, openness and willingness to learn and flexibility.
essential

To effectively lead and work as a member of a team, participate in meetings and negotiate, as necessary.
essential

Set high standards and provide a role model for staff and take responsibility for own and others professional development.
essential

Liaise effectively with other organisations and agencies.
essential

Develop, maintain and use an effective network of contacts, seeking advice and support when necessary.
essential

Ability to process complex information and data in order to generate business insight and make recommendations as a result.
essential

Excellent report writing, analytical and judgemental skills required to interpret varied and complex information for purposes of generating business insight or data.
essential

Full and valid UK Driving Licence.
essential

ICT proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and procurement software products and systems
essential

Ability to communicate effectively to a range of audiences (internal and external) through highly developed inter-personal, written, oral and presentation skills
essential

Evidence of ongoing CPD - Evidence of recent, relevant professional development
essential

At least three years post professional qualification experience.
essential

Experience of leading IT in a multi-site organisation.
essential

Experience of leading contract management / procurement within a medium - large complex organisation
essential

Experience of working with multiple, dynamic and complex stakeholders across the whole organisation
essential

Experience of managing change and implementing new systems/procedures/controls
essential

Working knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations relating to procurement and contract management
essential

Ability to exercise highly developed negotiation skills and/or persuasion skills in order to drive a positive outcome in challenging circumstances
essential

Demonstrates excellent understanding of the principles and practices of procurement within a multi-site organisation and how this contributes to success
essential

Working knowledge of the application of software and it developments to effective use across a large organisation
essential

Innovative approaches to developing financial and budget management systems
essential

Experience as a strategic leader, delivering on planned strategies to timescales up to and/more than a year.
essential

Demonstrable ability to prioritise, plan and organise workload effectively to achieve deadlines.
essential

Ability to make effective business decisions while working work under high levels of work-related pressure to achieve deadlines.
essential

Ability to think in an innovative way to achieve successful outcomes.
essential

Leading on a creative approach to finding solution focused outcomes for day-to-day business challenges.
essential

Working knowledge of academy finances.

Presentation skills.

Charted Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) qualified.

Membership of Professional Body

Experience of working in a public sector organisation.

An understanding of safeguarding and child protection issues

Working knowledge of the principles and characteristics of effective schools/academies

Personal Attributes

Excellent interpersonal skills in order to listen, advise, negotiate and support colleagues.
essential

Role models a professional approach at all times.
essential

Adaptability to changing circumstances/new ideas
essential

Able to work flexibly to meet deadlines and respond to unplanned situations, is willing to travel for work and to attend meetings.
essential

Ability to inspire confidence in staff, students, parents and others
essential

A commitment to inclusive education
essential

Reliability, integrity, stamina and determination to succeed and the highest possible expectations of self and others
essential

Is personally resilient and deliver effectively under pressure.
essential

Values collaborative relationships and adopts a partnership working approach.
essential

Safeguarding Information

First Federation Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This role requires an enhanced DBS disclosure.

The specific Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy for each of our schools can be found in the safeguarding section of their website, together with information about who the Designated Safeguarding Lead and other Level 3 trained staff are.

All shortlisted applicants will be subject to an online search. Applications supported by recruitment agencies will not be considered.