About the role

We are recruiting a proactive and commercially focused Procurement Executive to support the delivery of our procurement strategy across a group of colleges. Working within a central procurement function, you will ensure procurement activity delivers value for money, assurance of supply, quality and service, while remaining compliant with Financial Regulations and public sector procurement legislation. You will also contribute to the Group’s sustainability and carbon reduction objectives through responsible procurement practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category sourcing plans aligned to business needs.
• Lead and support tender processes, including specification development, evaluation and contract award.
• Support Budget Holders in achieving savings and best value for money.
• Provide procurement advice and guidance to stakeholders.
• Review and draft supplier contracts and manage key supplier relationships.
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve escalated issues.
• Manage the e-tendering system and contracts database.
• Analyse spend data to identify opportunities for improvement and cost control.
• Ensure compliance with the procurement strategy and public sector regulations.
• Deliver training to internal buyers to promote best practice.
• Support the annual insurance renewal process and undertake supplier due diligence.

This is a full time, permanent position based at Oxford College. Annual salary up to £39,742 depending on qualifications and experience.

What you need to be successful as a Procurement Executive at Activate Learning

You will have experience in a procurement role, ideally within the public sector or a regulated environment, with a strong understanding of public sector procurement legislation. You will demonstrate excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, alongside a highly analytical, organised and commercially aware approach. A commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement is essential, and a CIPS qualification (or working towards one) is desirable.

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a strategic procurement function that drives value, compliance and sustainability across the organisation.

Who we are

Activate Learning is a pioneering education group with a global reach, committed to transforming lives through our approach to learning.

We see our employees as individuals, empowering them to make the right choices for their ambitions and careers. We value our people as vital to our continued success and aspire to a diverse, open and inclusive environment that provides the motivation for everyone to pursue their career goals and flourish.

When you work for Activate Learning, you’re working for an organisation that provides you with the advantages of a large employer, a trusted partner in your career development, and a transformational way of working whilst also investing in building a community environment for everyone.

Together, we will bring out the best version of yourself.

Activate Learning Group Employee Benefits:

• Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards: Celebrating staff for their dedication and accomplishments aligned to our award-winning Learning Philosophy.
• Wellbeing & Resources Groups: Comprehensive range of resources, guides and tools to support staff wellbeing
• Company benefits: Including free eye tests and will writing, plus access to a Health Cash Plan covering optical, dental, health screening, and therapy treatments for you and your dependents.
• Learning and Development: continuous opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement through our in-house L&D team.
• Teaching Support: Tailored induction and development programs for teaching staff.
• Pension Schemes: Teacher and Local Government pension schemes for AL staff
• Generous Annual Leave: Up to 6 weeks paid leave
• Competitive salaries: Annual incremental progression and a twelve point pay scale for teachers.
• On-Site Facilities: Free parking at all campuses, refectories, hair and beauty salons & gym access.

For a comprehensive list of all of our benefits & wellbeing offering, please visit our work-with-us/wellbeing

Applicants should apply at the earliest opportunity; closed vacancies will prevent application form submission.

Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis, we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts.

Note: Some positions may require a legally mandated health surveillance check for exposure to hazardous conditions.

Activate Learning is committed to safeguarding and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check at the appropriate level.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK, we do not sponsor work permits. Work permits from other organisations are unacceptable as proof of right to work in the UK.

Applications are encouraged from all candidates who meet or exceed minimum criteria, regardless of age, disability, gender, orientation, race, religion, or ethnicity. Activate Learning are committed to employing people with disabilities and will ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments either at application or interview stage, please contact the talent team directly.

Recruitment agencies who submit unsolicited CVs to any partner or employee at Activate Learning, have no authority to enter an arrangement. Recruitment agencies engaging with Activate Learning Talent Team will be on our PSL.