At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex sourcing events and ensure compliance with procurement regulations.
- Company: AWE, a leader in innovative procurement solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 9-day working fortnight, generous leave, and a top pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: CIPS qualification or willingness to study, plus experience in Source-to-Contract activities.
The predicted salary is between 47760 - 47760 £ per year.
AWE is looking for a Sourcing Event Senior Buyer to join our Sourcing Event Management Team (SEMT). This 15‑month fixed‑term contract requires leading complex and high‑profile Source‑to‑Contract activities, ensuring compliance with public procurement regulations while delivering maximum value and mitigating risk. The role is based in Reading and offers a starting salary from £47,760, depending on suitability, qualifications and experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Work closely with category management teams to upload and process sourcing event details into JAGGAER.
- Administrate all on‑system activities through the full sourcing lifecycle: government gate approval, strategy, tender readiness, issuing tenders, gate approval for award, contract signing and mobilisation.
- Collaborate with the SEMT Lead to monitor system performance and implement system and process improvement opportunities.
- Serve as first point of contact for escalations within the sourcing event team.
- Support the SEMT Lead in oversight of all projects, developing and reporting on SEMT performance, and providing cover where required.
- Take ownership of end‑to‑end Source‑to‑Contract activities for complex procurements assigned.
- Manage tender processes and governance using procurement systems such as JAGGAER.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders and SEMT colleagues.
- Champion continuous improvement initiatives and best practice.
- Provide training and mentoring to team members and cover SEMT Manager duties when required.
Requirements
- Good general standard of education, including Maths and English, or equivalent experience.
- CIPS qualification or willingness to study towards the qualification.
- Proven track record of Source‑to‑Contract activities for complex procurements.
- Experience using electronic purchasing systems (JAGGAER, Oracle, Ariba, or similar).
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Ability to analyse data and manage tender documentation.
- Experience working in a highly regulated environment.
- Ability to plan, prioritise and deliver objectives on time.
- Proficiency in MS Office, including Excel and Word.
Preferred Experience
- Knowledge of contractual arrangements and public procurement regulations.
- Experience with contract amendments and category management.
- Proactive approach to problem solving, tackling issues before they become problems.
Benefits
- 9‑day working fortnight (every other Friday off) and 270 hours of annual leave.
- Market‑leading contributory pension scheme with employer contribution of 9%–13%.
- Family‑friendly policies: 39‑week maternity leave at full pay, 4‑week paternity leave at full pay.
- Opportunities for professional career development and funding for annual professional body membership.
- Employee Assistance Programme and occupational health services.
- Life assurance of four times annual salary.
- Discounts and savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
- Special leave policy allowing paid time off for volunteering, public service, and caring.
- Hybrid working available on an informal, non‑contractual basis (typically two days onsite per week).
Working Pattern
AWE operates a 9‑day working fortnight. Flexibility is considered to fit work with lifestyle, and hybrid working is available informally.
Sourcing Event Senior Buyer employer: Atomic Weapons Establishment
AWE is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a generous 9-day working fortnight, extensive annual leave, and a market-leading pension scheme, employees can enjoy a healthy work-life balance while engaging in meaningful procurement activities. The company fosters continuous improvement and provides opportunities for training and development, making it an ideal place for those looking to advance their careers in a dynamic and regulated environment.
Contact Details:
Atomic Weapons Establishment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sourcing Event Senior Buyer
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Meetups
Join local procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite. These gatherings are great for networking with industry professionals, sharing insights, and potentially hearing about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised!
✨Seasonal Hiring Cycles are Your Friend!
Keep an eye on seasonal trends in procurement, as many companies ramp up hiring during certain times of the year – especially around end-of-financial-year periods when budgets are being utilised. Be proactive and reach out to companies directly during these windows.
✨Leverage Online Platforms for Temporary Roles
Don’t forget to browse specific job boards dedicated to temporary positions, such as Reed or Indeed. You can filter your search for procurement roles and set up alerts for when new jobs pop up, so you can apply immediately!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Professional Networks
Create short case studies or posts on LinkedIn showcasing your procurement experience or interesting projects you've tackled. This not only builds your visibility but can also attract recruiters looking for temporary talent like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Sourcing Event Senior Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in procurement-purchasing, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Mention specific tasks like negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, or optimising inventory. This will show Atomic Weapons Establishment that you can hit the ground running!
Keep it Concise and Impactful:For a temporary role, we recommend keeping your CV and cover letter concise. Focus on key achievements that showcase your procurement skills and any immediate impact you’ve made in past roles. Use bullet points for clarity—this way, Atomic Weapons Establishment can quickly grasp your capabilities!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications that are relevant to procurement, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply), don’t forget to mention them! This adds extra weight to your application and shows Atomic Weapons Establishment that you're serious about your professional development.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to emphasise your availability and flexibility in your cover letter. Let Atomic Weapons Establishment know when you can start and that you’re ready to adapt to their needs, making your application even more appealing!
How to prepare for a job interview at Atomic Weapons Establishment
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on key procurement concepts and terms, like 'total cost of ownership' and 'supplier relationships'. We want to impress them with our knowledge! Being able to talk fluently about relevant techniques and tools specific to the procurement field will definitely lend credibility.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a purchasing role, you might get thrown some real-world scenarios to assess how you’d handle supplier negotiations or cost-saving strategies. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills! Practising how you'd tackle these situations in advance will help us shine during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since it’s a temporary role, emphasise how you can quickly adapt to new processes and environments. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve tackled new challenges with ease, showing they can rely on us to hit the ground running and contribute immediately!
✨Show Off Your Tech Savvy
Being well-versed in procurement software like SAP or Coupa can set us apart from other candidates. If you've got experience with these tools, be sure to mention it! Having a handle on data analysis and reporting will also demonstrate our capability to leverage technology effectively in procurement.
