Senior Contract & Procurement Manager 

Full Time, Permanent
Based in Derbyshire with travel across Embark schools

Help us make every pound count.

At Embark Federation, we believe great schools are built on great people, strong partnerships and the wise use of resources. As a family of 29 schools serving thousands of children and young people, we are ambitious about delivering exceptional value whilst never losing sight of what matters most: improving outcomes for pupils.

We are looking for an experienced and commercially astute Senior Contract & Procurement Manager to join our central team and help shape the next phase of our growth.

This is a new and strategically important role reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer. You will lead the development of a Trust-wide approach to procurement, contract management and supplier performance, ensuring our schools benefit from high-quality services, strong commercial arrangements and outstanding value for money.

One of your first priorities will be leading the implementation and management of a new Trust-wide catering contract, working closely with schools and suppliers to ensure a successful transition and a service that meets the needs of our communities.

About the Role

This is far more than contract administration.

We are looking for someone who can challenge, influence and improve. Someone who can see opportunities where others see complexity. Someone who understands that effective procurement is about delivering better outcomes, not simply lower costs.

Working across a diverse portfolio of contracts and services, you will:

• Lead procurement and tendering exercises across the Trust.
• Review existing contracts and identify opportunities to improve quality, consistency and value.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers and hold them accountable for performance.
• Negotiate commercial arrangements that deliver measurable benefits.
• Develop a Trust-wide contract management framework.
• Provide expert advice to school leaders and central teams.
• Drive efficiencies and savings that can be reinvested into education.

About You

We welcome applications from candidates within education and beyond.

You may currently work in procurement, commercial management, contract management, commissioning, supplier management or a related field. What matters most is your ability to deliver results, build relationships and think strategically.

You will bring:

• A proven track record of delivering value through procurement and contract management.
• Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills.
• Experience managing complex supplier relationships.
• The ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead change.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• A commitment to high standards, integrity and continuous improvement.

Why Join Embark?

At Embark, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. We believe schools achieve more when they work together and we are committed to creating an organisation where talented people can make a real difference.

In return, we offer:

• The opportunity to shape a new strategic function within a growing Trust.
• Direct access to senior leadership and the ability to influence decision-making.
• A varied and rewarding role with significant scope for impact.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Flexible working opportunities.
• Access to Trust-wide professional development and wellbeing support.
• A values-led culture built on Family, Integrity, Teamwork and Success.

Join Us

This is an opportunity to help ensure that every resource entrusted to us delivers the greatest possible benefit for children and young people.

If you are a commercially minded professional who wants to combine strategic thinking with meaningful impact, we would love to hear from you.

Embark Federation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.