Procurement & Contracts Lead - Learning Academy Partnership
- Teignbridge, Devon
- Full Time
- NJC Grade I (Torbay): £40,444 - £43,149 per annum
Required as soon as possible
6-month Fixed Term Contract - Based in Kingsteignton
This is a new opportunity for an experienced procurement professional to join Learning Academy Partnership and play a key role in delivering value for money, compliance and high quality services across our community of schools.
Working as part of our Business Support Team, you will lead procurement and contract management activity, ensuring that procurement processes are robust, compliant and deliver the best possible outcomes for our schools, colleagues and communities. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact by helping us maximise resources so that more can be invested in improving educational outcomes for children.
You'll work closely with senior leaders, budget holders and suppliers to manage a programme of procurement projects, deliver competitive tender exercises, improve contract management arrangements and identify opportunities for cost savings and service improvement.
We're proud to hold Silver Investors in People accreditation, reflecting our commitment to creating a workplace where colleagues feel valued, supported and able to flourish. Joining us means becoming part of a values-led organisation where collaboration, continuous improvement and making a positive difference are at the heart of everything we do.
What You’ll Do
Working across our organisation, you will:
- Lead and deliver procurement projects and tender exercises, ensuring they are completed on time and in line with procurement regulations and organisational policies.
- Manage the procurement process from initial planning and specification development through to contract award and implementation.
- Review existing contracts and identify opportunities to improve value for money, service quality and operational efficiency.
- Develop positive relationships with colleagues, suppliers and stakeholders, providing expert advice and support throughout the procurement lifecycle.
- Support effective contract management and supplier performance monitoring to ensure services meet agreed expectations.
- Contribute to strong governance, risk management and continuous improvement through accurate reporting, compliance and best practice procurement.
We’re Looking for Someone Who Is:
- Passionate about delivering excellent services and value for money that ultimately support the best outcomes for children and communities.
- Professionally qualified in procurement, or working towards a recognised qualification such as CIPS.
- Experienced in leading procurement and tendering activities within a public sector, education or other regulated environment.
- Knowledgeable about procurement legislation, contract management and good governance practices.
- A confident communicator who can build strong relationships, influence stakeholders and provide clear advice and guidance.
- Organised, analytical and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high standards of accuracy and compliance.
- Committed to continuous improvement, professional integrity and working collaboratively with others to achieve shared goals.
We Can Offer You:
- An opportunity to make a significant impact across a growing organisation.
- A varied and rewarding role with strategic influence.
- The chance to lead meaningful procurement and contract management activity that supports excellent educational provision.
- A supportive and collaborative working environment.
- A commitment to colleague wellbeing and work-life balance.
- Family-friendly policies and colleague benefits, including our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you're an experienced procurement professional looking for an opportunity to lead, influence and make a difference within a values-led organisation, we'd love to hear from you. Our work is guided by four core beliefs:
Stronger Together | A Sense of Belonging | Removing Barriers | Realising the Possible
We want to help you decide whether we're the right fit for you. That's why we encourage prospective applicants to arrange an informal conversation, visit or virtual call to learn more about the role, our People Team and what it's like to work with us.
Come and experience our culture, values and vision first-hand and discover how we can help you flourish. To arrange a call or visit please contact Dan Jones:
djones@lapsw.org | 01626 248800
The Learning Academy Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS disclosures are required for this post along with the other necessary checks. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020). This means that certain convictions and cautions are considered ‘protected’ and do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974
For further details and to apply, visit the vacancies section of our website: www.lapsw.co.uk
If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or a neurodivergent condition such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism we’re here to help. We encourage you to share any adjustments you may need so we can ensure a fair and equitable process for all applicants.
For useful resources, please visit: https://exceptionalindividuals.com/neurodiversity/
The closing date for this post is Friday 25th September 2026 (9am) however please feel free to apply as soon as possible, as applications will be considered upon receipt. We reserve the right to interview / appoint before the closing date.
Job Details
- OrganisationOther Organisations
- Work LocationTeignbridgeDevon
- Reference
AC7015
- Occupational GroupProcurementEducation SupportManagement & Senior Management
- Salary Details
NJC Grade I (Torbay): £40,444 - £43,149 per annum
- Job TermFixed
- Appointment TypeFull Time
- Hours
37 hours per week
- Closing Date
24/09/2026
- DBS Check Required
Yes