Operations Lead – Procurement and Projects

Derby Diocesan Academy Trust; Bakewell CP; Hybrid; GBP 57,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional educational trust is seeking an Operations Lead to enhance its procurement and project management functions. This full-time position, based in Bakewell, offers hybrid working, competitive salary, and ongoing professional development opportunities. Candidates should demonstrate strong leadership abilities, strategic support skills, and a results-oriented mindset. The role involves managing a varied workload and collaborating with senior colleagues across 33 schools to drive operational excellence. Apply now via the trust's online platform.

Benefits

Competitive salary

LGPS pension contributions

Ongoing professional development

Generous annual leave

Hybrid working options

Free onsite parking

Cycle to Work Scheme

Free eye tests

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience in managing a complex and varied workload.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for stakeholder engagement.
• Results-oriented with a focus on goal achievement.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational support across the Trust.
• Work with senior colleagues on Project Management and Procurement.
• Lead initiatives to enhance the Trust's operations.

Skills

Strategic support

Project Management

Procurement

Leadership

Job description

Salary: DDAT Grade 14, Pay Points 46-50 (£57,867.00- £62,636.00 FTE)

Location: Hybrid from the Head Office at Bakewell / other schools within the Trust / working from home

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours per week: Full-time – 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Job outline

Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT) are recruiting an experienced Operations Lead (Procurement and Projects) who will bring further enthusiasm and drive to the leadership of the Trust’s Operations function. We are excited to be advertising this new role to work as an integral part of our Central Team. Building on the introduction of new Trust wide systems and MIS, we see this postholder making a significant contribution to the next stage of the Trust’s development and growth, with a focus on Project Management and Procurement. DDAT is a Multi Academy Trust that oversees and supports 33 schools across Derbyshire and Derby City. Established in 2014 by the Diocese of Derby, DDAT is committed to providing high quality education for all children in their academies based on clearly established Christian values and principles.

The successful candidate will:

• Provide strategic and operational support and guidance across the Trust.
• Demonstrate the ability to support, challenge, and work in coproduction with senior colleagues and executive teams on all aspects of Project Management and Procurement.
• Have experience of effectively managing a complex and varied workload.
• Be results‑oriented, motivated by goals and be driven to achieve those goals.
• Display excellent leadership interpersonal skills when dealing with a range of stakeholders with empathy and purpose.

In return, DDAT will offer you:

• An opportunity to work as part of a supportive team and empower you to further develop the Trust.
• A competitive salary and LGPS pension contributions. Opportunity for Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs).
• Ongoing high quality professional development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave entitlement.
• Hybrid working with the opportunity to work from the office in Bakewell, home and the DDAT schools across the Trust.
• Benefits including but not limited to: Free onsite parking at Bakewell Head Office, Cycle to Work Scheme, free eye tests and a contribution towards a pair of glasses for employees using VDU’s, Employee Assistance Programme & an opportunity to work flexibly.

Application information

To apply, please use our online platform: https://derbydiocesanacademytrust.face-ed.co.uk/Vacancies/Detail?campaignRef=SCH-DDAT-0011. We will only accept applications made via the DDAT application form linked above. Please note that we will not consider CVs as part of the shortlisting. If you have any questions about this post, please contact the HR team via email at [e-mail]. For more detailed discussions, a call with the CEO can be facilitated. Please note that all candidates must have a right to work in the UK in order to be able to work at our Trust. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for international job applicants. Closing date: Sunday 25th January 2026 at midnight. Interview date: February 2026 (date to be confirmed).

DDAT welcomes a diverse population of both children and staff and is committed to promoting and developing equality of opportunity in all its functions. DDAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, online checks, pre-employment and Disclosure Barring Service checks. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare any cautions, convictions, reprimands and final warnings that are not protected (i.e. that are not filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020).