At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing projects and manage supplier relationships in Soft Services.
- Company: Dynamic procurement team in a fast-paced environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth and skill development.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and make an impact in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement with strong communication and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Buyer/ Senior Buyer - Soft Services
The Opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Buyer to join a growing procurement team, supporting the delivery of sourcing and supplier management activities across a broad range of Soft Services categories.
Working closely with Procurement Managers and operational stakeholders, you will play a key role in delivering cost efficiencies, supporting supplier relationships, and ensuring procurement best practice across a diverse service portfolio.
This role would suit an ambitious procurement professional looking to further develop their category management and sourcing expertise within a fast-paced and commercially focused environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Support procurement activities across Soft Services categories including cleaning, waste management, security ect.
- Lead end-to-end sourcing projects, negotiate pricing and commercial terms with suppliers.
- Build and maintain effective supplier relationships to ensure service quality and value for money.
- Drive supplier performance, continuous improvement and cost-saving opportunities.
- Work with operational and business stakeholders to understand procurement requirements.
- Analyse spend data and identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.
- Support contract renewals, supplier onboarding, and ongoing contract management activities.
- Monitor supplier performance against agreed service levels and KPIs.
- Ensure procurement activities are conducted in accordance with company policies and governance requirements.
Requirements
- Previous procurement or purchasing experience within Soft Services, Facilities Management, Corporate Services, or a similar environment.
- Experience supporting tendering and sourcing activities.
- Strong commercial acumen and excellent stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Good analytical skills with the ability to interpret spend and supplier data.
- Organised, proactive, and capable of managing multiple priorities.
- Experience within Facilities Management, Property Services, Outsourcing, Infrastructure, or Corporate Services sectors.
- Knowledge of cleaning, security, catering, or workplace services procurement.
- CIPS qualified or studying towards a qualification.
- Familiarity with procurement and e-sourcing systems.
Senior Buyer in London employer: Arguile
At Arguile, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and innovative employer in the defence sector, offering our employees the chance to make a significant impact in a high-growth start-up environment. Our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and strategic thinking, while our commitment to professional development ensures that you will have ample opportunities to grow your career. Located in a vibrant area, we provide a unique advantage with access to industry leaders and cutting-edge projects that shape the future of defence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in London
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Arguile.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Arguile:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Arguile. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Arguile.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arguile
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Arguile!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Arguile. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Arguile's culture.
