Purchasing, Projects & NPD Director – Global Education Supplies (GES)

TN United Kingdom; Aylesford; On-site; GBP 100,000

Job description

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Purchasing, Projects & NPD Director – Global Education Supplies (GES), Aylesford

Client: Commercial Services Group

Location: Aylesford, United Kingdom

Job Category: Education

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference: 6ac322cc5b84

Job Views: 2

Posted: 30.03.2025

Expiry Date: 14.05.2025

Job Description:

Commercial Services Group is one of the leading providers of procurement and support services to education and public sector customers globally. Serving over 15,000 customers, CSG is committed to providing an excellent customer and user experience underpinned by social value and a committed and empowered workforce.

UK-wide | £100k + Car Allowance + Benefits + Bonus Scheme | Permanent | Full-time (37hrs/week)

We're looking for a commercially sharp, future-focused leader to shape the next era of procurement, product innovation and project delivery for a growing global education group.

As part of the GES Senior Leadership Team, you’ll bring strategic thinking and operational excellence to a business with big ambitions — and a social mission at its heart.

Who we are

Commercial Services Group (CSG) is the UK’s largest local authority-owned trading company, generating over £800m in revenue and reinvesting profits back into public services. With 1,800+ employees and 33 businesses spanning the UK, Dubai and Bangkok, we support over 16,000 customers in education and the public sector.

Global Education Supplies (GES) is a portfolio of seven brands supplying schools across the UK and internationally — from science kits and sports equipment to library installations and bespoke outdoor learning environments. With a £50m turnover, 40,000 SKUs and multi-site operations, GES is in a period of transformative growth.

Why this role matters

As Purchasing, Projects & NPD Director, you’ll play a vital leadership role in shaping how we source, innovate, and deliver across all GES brands. You’ll lead strategic procurement, supplier relationship management, product development and cross-functional project delivery — ensuring our commercial ambitions are supported by a robust, scalable and forward-thinking backbone.

Your work will directly impact customer experience, commercial performance and market positioning, giving you a unique platform to drive innovation and value creation across the entire group.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead procurement and product development strategy across all GES businesses, ensuring alignment with broader business goals and customer needs.
• Oversee the full product lifecycle — from concept and development to launch — including compliance, quality assurance, and go-to-market readiness.
• Own supplier relationships, contract negotiation and commercial performance — driving efficiency, value and resilience across the supply chain.
• Identify new product opportunities through customer insights and market trends, ensuring innovation is aligned to need and commercially viable.
• Lead and coordinate cross-functional projects, ensuring timelines, budgets and resources are effectively managed.
• Act as a key member of the GES Senior Leadership Team, collaborating with peers to align operations, sales, marketing and procurement efforts.

What we’re looking for

We need a commercially savvy, solutions-focused leader who can operate at pace across complex, multi-site operations — and bring the clarity and influence to get things done. This is a role for someone who sees the big picture but gets the detail right.

You’ll bring:

• Significant leadership experience across procurement, product development or supply chain functions.
• Strong understanding of supplier management, contract negotiation and commercial sourcing strategies.
• Proven experience leading product development from idea to launch, including regulatory and quality control.
• Excellent project management skills, with a track record of delivering high-impact, cross-functional change.
• Financial acumen, with a deep understanding of cost control, budget management and commercial performance.
• Experience operating in a multi-brand, multi-site environment — ideally in education or similar customer-led sectors.

What you’ll get in return

• Base salary up to £100k
• Life assurance cover (x4 salary)
• Pension (6% employer contribution)
• 25 days holiday + birthday off
• Retail/gym discounts, volunteer days, and wellbeing support
• Opportunities for career progression within a growing and values-led group

Why CSG? Why now?

We’re investing in infrastructure, people and innovation — and you’ll be right at the centre of that. We balance commercial ambition with purpose, and we need people who are excited by both. At GES, you’ll shape how schools access the tools and resources they need — and help us build a smarter, more responsive education supply business.

Apply now and shape the future of education supplies through strategic procurement, product innovation and cross-team collaboration.