Indirect Buyer: Strategic Sourcing and Cost Optimisation

The Indirect Buyer is responsible for the sourcing and procurement of non-core expenditure to support the day to day running of Britten Norman across its 3 business units and in line with the company Delegation of Authority. The role is accountable for achieving lowest cost benefit against one off purchases through to ongoing supply of services across all categories of Indirect spend including capital expenditure (CAPEX). The Indirect Buyer will seek to gain early engagement with stakeholders to ensure compliant expenditure, and the effective use of best practice techniques is deployed, always seeking to influence positive outcomes on cost, delivery and meeting stakeholder and budget expectations.

The Indirect Buyer will deploy standard procurement tools such as:

• Requests for information (RFI)
• Request for Proposal (RFP)
• Request for Quote (RFQ)
• Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA)
• Letters of Intent (LOI)
• Memorandums of Understanding (MOU)

The Indirect Buyer will have practical experience in preparing Life Cycle Cost Benefit Analysis, Pay-back periods including Lease or buy decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• The processing of authorised purchase requisitions and the placement of Purchase orders, non-purchase order commitments and use of a company Credit card with suppliers and service providers.
• Identify the Categories of Indirect and Overhead spend using supporting spend data, ensuring there is clarity and visibility of all expenditure.
• Develop sourcing strategies jointly with the Head of Supply Chain.
• Contribution to the functional and cost reduction objectives.
• Quantitative and qualitative evaluation and validation of tender responses to ensure bid and requirements are met.
• Negotiating and executing robust supplier contractual frameworks with consistent terms and favourable conditions, that meet the business needs.
• Work with the Finance team to ensure company controls are met in regard to all CAPEX expenditure, including the preparation of the CAR in line with the capital expenditure policy, used for both Tangible and Intangible expenditure.
• Effective engagement and communication with internal customers and stakeholders.
• Develop supplier relationships.
• Preparation of Monthly reporting.
• Support the business with all ad-hoc business requirements.
• Liaison with the Finance team and/or Suppliers in relation to all Invoice Queries or issues including management of Pro-forma invoices.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Previous experience of working in an Indirect Procurement function (non-core spend) with practical knowledge in the raising and the management of purchase orders and purchasing commitments.
• Practical experience in working with indirect suppliers and taking the lead in sourcing suitable cost effective suppliers of services and products.
• Attention to detail with a positive attitude and a strong focus of delivery.
• Self-disciplined and motivated, experience of working in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrates flexibility in moving between tasks and is dedicated to the task, seeing it through to completion.
• Reliable, follows direction from managers and respects policies and procedures.
• Ability to identify potential areas of difficulty, the causes and proactively provide solutions whilst keeping team and manager informed.
• Excellent organisational skills with proven ability to manage time effectively.
• Capable of effective communication with team members, suppliers and stakeholders.
• Desirable degree level or other further education.
• Membership of CIPS / CIPS Level 2 or currently studying towards CIPS.

Benefits

• 36 annual leave days (inclusive of Bank and Public Holidays)
• Contributory pension scheme with a salary sacrifice option
• Private healthcare scheme
• Flu vaccination
• Dental and optical cover
• Employee Assistance Program
• Support with learning and professional development (courses and licenses)
• Health screening and therapies
• Digital GP
• Referral bonus