Procurement Officer

• Company: Plumpton College
• Closing Date: 18-01-2026
• Location: Plumpton, Lewes BN7 3AE
• Salary: up to £32,630 per annum
• Hours: 3.5 per week
• Contact Email: recruitment@plumpton.ac.uk

Description

Are you a commercially minded procurement professional who enjoys making a tangible difference? Do you thrive on identifying savings, strengthening supplier relationships and improving processes in a values-led organisation? If so, this could be an excellent opportunity to progress your career at Plumpton College. 

The role 

As Procurement Officer, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the College achieves best value for money across all purchasing activity. Working closely with the Finance Director and colleagues across the organisation, you will lead tender processes, review supplier performance, analyse spend data and identify opportunities for savings and improvement. Your work will directly support the College’s strategic and financial objectives, while ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and internal policies. 

What you’ll be doing 

• Reviewing contracts, costs and suppliers to secure best value and service quality 

• Leading and managing competitive tender processes from specification to award 

• Analysing expenditure data to identify savings and efficiencies 

• Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers 

• Maintaining accurate procurement records and producing clear performance reports 

• Driving continuous improvement through smarter, more efficient procurement practices 

What we’re looking for 

You will bring demonstrable experience in procurement or cost review activity, ideally within an education or public sector environment. You’ll be highly organised, confident running tenders and negotiating with suppliers, and comfortable working independently while engaging positively with a wide range of stakeholders. Strong analytical, communication and IT skills are essential, along with a proactive, solutions-focused approach. 

Why Join Us?    

At Plumpton College, we live our values—Ambitious, Professional, Enterprising, Passionate, Passionate, and Supportive—in everything we do. We are committed to creating a workplace where you can thrive, develop, and feel valued.   

We offer a competitive salary and generous annual leave of up to 26 days, plus bank holidays and up to five efficiency days at Christmas. All support employees are eligible for membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme and benefit from a comprehensive programme of continuing professional development.   

We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. We have signed the Menopause Pledge, are a Disability Confident Committed employer, and offer a structured induction and supported six-month probationary period. Our coaching culture, supported by in-house Level 5 trained coaches, ensures ongoing personal and professional growth.   

Staff enjoy a range of additional benefits, including a TOTUM card for high street discounts, eligibility to apply for a Blue Light Card, free onsite parking, discounted Plumpton wine and courses, free eye tests, a cycle-to-work scheme, and access to the onsite gym.   

We actively promote wellbeing and inclusion through regular networking events focused on menopause, LGBTQ+, men’s health, and bereavement, as well as well-attended EDI and Sustainability committees driving positive change. Employees also have access to an Employee Assistance Programme and can take part in staff social events at Christmas and in the summer.   

Ready to Make a Difference?    

Join a forward-thinking college where your expertise can truly make an impact.  

Apply today and be part of something extraordinary.    

We reserve the right to call candidates to interview/withdraw this vacancy at any time if there is a good level of response. Therefore, we recommend you submit your application as soon as possible.     

Plumpton College is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and is dedicated to pursuing non-discriminatory policies and practices and eliminating unfair discrimination on any basis.    

Plumpton is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.