JOB NEWS: Education Partnership North East (EPNE) is hiring a Procurement Assistant in Sunderland on a Full-time, Permanent basis.
EMPLOYER
Education Partnership North East (EPNE)
LOCATION
Sunderland
SALARY
£26,446–£29,594 per annum
JOB TYPE
Full-time, Permanent
CLOSING DATE
23:59 hours BST on Thursday 08 October 2026
REFERENCE
0787-26
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Procurement Assistant will gain practical experience within a busy operational procurement team while developing public-sector procurement skills.
The role requires strong organisational, communication and administration skills and provides a foundation for progression into a procurement-related career.
Working as part of the procurement team, under the supervision of colleagues and reporting to the Director of Procurement, the successful candidate will develop their knowledge and apply Public Sector Contracting in line with Public Sector Regulations.
The candidate will be required to obtain and retain Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) membership.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Complete administrative processes, including due diligence on supplier applications and maintaining the Contract Register.
• Work to Standard Operating Procedures.
• Support procurement staff with tender processes and contract management.
• Lead quotation processes to deliver successful contractual outcomes and value for money for EPNE stakeholders.
• Maintain and use e-Tendering Portals, e-Procurement Platforms, Contract Management Systems, Helpdesk, E-Cards and P2P Software.
• Procure goods and services in line with Financial Regulations through appropriate purchasing routes.
• Facilitate trials and evaluations of services and equipment where appropriate.
• Identify and compare requested products and propose suitable alternatives to maximise savings where possible.
• Resolve internal customer queries and seek guidance and advice when required.
• Develop professional working relationships with the Finance Team and internal and external stakeholders.
• Interpret purchasing data relating to indirect procurement of goods and services.
• Present clear technical and financial information to internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage student and staff travel requirements and ensure safeguarding requirements are met.
• Maintain the Central Register for Disaster Recovery.
• Achieve agreed individual targets and contribute towards savings targets and objectives.
• Contribute to a culture of continual improvement.
• Assist with ad hoc tasks supporting business operations.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Studying or working towards a CIPS Diploma in Procurement and Supply is desirable.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
• Working knowledge of operating within organisational policies.
• IT literacy in Microsoft packages, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to plan and prioritise your own workload.
BENEFITS
• 35–48 days’ holiday per year plus public holidays, excluding Term Time Only contracts.
• Generous family leave.
• Flexible working options, dependent on role.
• LGPS or Teachers’ Pension Scheme, depending on role.
• Access to the myLifestyle benefits platform with retail discounts and more.
• Dental, eye care and health cash plans.
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub.
• Free parking on most campuses.
• Free gym access at Bede Campus.
COMPANY CULTURE
EPNE describes its workplace as supportive and inclusive, with a focus on employee development and wellbeing.
The organisation states that it welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences and recognises the value of diverse perspectives.
SAFEGUARDING
• An Enhanced Disclosure Check is required due to the nature of the post.
• EPNE is committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
• EPNE is a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member.
To apply, click here
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