The Group Head of Procurement will be responsible for setting the strategic direction, providing the visibility on performance and ensuring the operational execution of all procurement activity across the organisation.This includes the development of procurement processes, systems, and the supporting organisational framework to ensure value for money, risk mitigation, and compliance.This role will lead on the key group-level procurements, provide expert support to regional and functional teams on complex tenders, and actively promote collaboration and standardisation across the procurement landscape. Begin with our children and students.

Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.Strategic Procurement LeadershipDefine and execute the Group Procurement Strategy aligned with organisational goals.Develop and roll out group-wide procurement policies, frameworks, and systems.Group/central Level Procurement ExecutionLead major group-level tenders and negotiations, particularly in categories such as IT, ESG, Marketing, Facilities, and Capex.Actively manage high-value and high-impact sourcing projects and contractual negotiations.Provide expert guidance and oversight on divisional and regional procurements.Work collaboratively with regional Procurement Managers to align strategies, share best practices, and drive consistency.Work collaboratively with Regional Finance Directors to ensure the right people are involved in procurements.Influence procurement behaviours across regions without direct reporting lines.Policy and ComplianceOwn and maintain the Group Procurement Policy and ensure regional policies and practices are aligned.Drive the continued implementation and adoption of eSourcing tools across the group.Manage the relationship with the eSourcing technology provider to ensure effective system performance and user support.Develop procurement capability across the group through training, mentoring, and best practice sharing.Build and shape the procurement function to meet future business needs.Minimum 8–10 years’ experience in strategic procurement or purchasing leadership roles.Experience in leading change and transformation across multi-national operation is advantageousProven track record in leading large tenders and delivering significant commercial value.Experience implementing procurement systems and driving eSourcing adoption across a decentralised organisation.Strong knowledge of procurement best practices, contract law, and supplier relationship management.Skilled negotiator with strong analytical and project management capabilities.Familiarity with ESG-related procurement considerations and responsible sourcing.Degree-level education in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement or related field.able to support and challenge stakeholders, from developing specifications (business needs) through to negotiations and implementation plans.Capable and comfortable being recognised as the expert for all procurement matters.able to identify opportunities and risks and implement best-value, fit-for-purpose solutions.ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and BelongingISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics.