Procurement & Contracts Manager - Central Team

New Bridge Multi-Academy Trust is a vibrant, aspirational and inclusive multi-academy trust of eight special schools and two specialist post-16 provisions across Oldham, Tameside and Rochdale. As part of the wider New Bridge Group there are also two post-19 provisions. Our settings support a wide spectrum of needs from age 4-19 and beyond. The Trust is proud to be national leaders in Special Education and has a culture of creating outstanding opportunities for all. We are at an exciting point in our development, and this role will play a key role in supporting our schools and leaders to deliver high quality education through excellent people management. We are looking to appoint an experienced procurement professional to lead a compliant, value‑driven procurement function across the Trust. The role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on delivery of procurement, contract and supplier management across schools and central services, ensuring best use of public funds and supporting educational priorities. This is a key leadership role responsible for setting direction and providing expert oversight of procurement across the Trust. The postholder will champion value for money, compliance and commercial awareness, working closely with schools, the central team and suppliers to support the Trust’s long‑term sustainability. We invite applications from individuals with substantial experience, ideally already in the public sector or a regulated environment. The successful candidate will have proven experience and skills around the below: · Relevant qualification or significant experience in procurement, finance or commercial management (CIPS Level 4+ desirable) · Evidence of continuing professional development · Experience of procurement and contract management in a public sector or regulated environment (education desirable) · Proven ability to deliver value for money, cost savings and commercial benefits · Confident advising and influencing non‑specialist stakeho