At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement processes, build supplier relationships, and optimise costs.
- Company: Rapidly growing organisation based in Oxford with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Salary up to £45,000, hybrid working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Exciting role with potential for growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Take ownership of procurement activities and drive continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Experience in indirect purchasing and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an Indirect Buyer to join a rapidly growing organisation based in Oxford. Offering a salary of up to £45,000 alongside hybrid working with up to two days per week from home. The role will focus on indirect procurement, purchase order management, contract management and building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to take ownership of procurement activities and contribute to the development and continuous improvement of procurement processes.
The ideal candidate will have previous experience in indirect purchasing or indirect procurement, with a proactive, hands-on approach and a strong desire to develop their career within a growing organisation.
Role responsibilities of the Indirect Buyer include:
- Supplier Sourcing & Selection: Identify and evaluate new and existing suppliers to support R&D, Product Engineering, Servicing and Indirect Procurement requirements.
- Purchase Order & Supplier Management: Manage the full purchasing lifecycle, from requesting quotations and raising purchase orders to monitoring the open order book, expediting deliveries and ensuring goods and services are received on time and in full.
- Supplier Negotiation & Cost Optimisation: Lead or support supplier negotiations, identify cost-saving opportunities, support contract management and renewals, and contribute to regular supplier performance reviews.
- Risk Management & Stakeholder Collaboration: Proactively identify and escalate supplier, availability, obsolescence and delivery risks, working closely with cross-functional teams to minimise disruption and meet business needs.
- Continuous Improvement & Compliance: Support the development of procurement processes, uphold quality management standards, ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
Person Specification of the Indirect Buyer:
- Procurement Experience & Implementation: Proven experience implementing and improving procurement processes, with a hands-on approach and the ability to take ownership of projects from planning through to delivery.
- Stakeholder Management & Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
- Project Management & Continuous Improvement: Ability to develop and deliver procurement project plans, manage short-term projects, identify improvement opportunities and drive practical solutions in a changing environment.
- Data Analysis & Systems Knowledge: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and experience using ERP systems. Knowledge of SAP is advantageous, alongside a good understanding of MRP processes.
- Commercial Awareness & Supplier Management: Confident engaging and negotiating with suppliers, analysing procurement data and making informed recommendations.
This role would suit someone with experience in purchasing or procurement, particularly within indirect procurement, who has worked as an Indirect Buyer, Buyer, Procurement Specialist, Purchasing Coordinator, Sourcing Specialist or Junior Buyer.
Indirect Buyer employer: Butler Ross Limited
Butler Ross is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With a competitive salary of £60-65k plus bonuses, and the flexibility of hybrid working, we foster a culture of collaboration and innovation, ensuring our team members thrive while contributing to meaningful public-sector projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Indirect Buyer
✨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 Butler Ross Limited.
✨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 Indirect Buyer
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 Butler Ross Limited:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Butler Ross Limited. 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 Butler Ross Limited.
How to prepare for a job interview at Butler Ross Limited
✨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 Butler Ross Limited!
✨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 Butler Ross Limited. 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 Butler Ross Limited's culture.
