At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to optimise software procurement and drive savings for customers.
- Company: Bytes is a leading IT solutions provider, transforming businesses since 1982.
- Benefits: Enjoy continuous training, a supportive culture, and various perks for your wellbeing.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team making a real impact in the tech industry.
- Qualifications: A-Levels required; CIPS Diploma and 5+ years in software procurement preferred.
- Other info: Flexible approach to work and opportunities for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Bytes is a top provider of premium IT solutions and services, working with SMEs, corporations, and public sector organizations to modernize and digitally transform their IT infrastructures. Founded in 1982, Bytes has experienced significant growth, now employing over 750 people across seven locations in the UK and Ireland, with a turnover surpassing £1.8 billion in 2023.
At Bytes, we nurture talented individuals to achieve remarkable outcomes and are dedicated to supporting our employees through continuous training, guidance, and development to help you advance and fulfil your career goals. We foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, recognition and inclusivity and offer a wide range of benefits to support staff wellbeing.
PURPOSE OF JOB: Bytes works with our customers to help them achieve their business outcomes through delivering a comprehensive range of technology-focused support/professional/managed services. We actively seek to drive consumption, adoption, and customer satisfaction with the objective of tangibly contributing to customer success and growth.
The Procurement Advisory Consultant will join our growing diverse team of experienced IT procurement professionals to deliver commercial and procurement advisory, renewals management and transaction services for software assets by defining and implementing a professional, structured, and repeatable process resulting in optimal commercial routes for renewals and new purchases, based on existing and planned Customer strategies. These activities will be delivered to a portfolio of mid-size UK-based business through to global enterprises through a managed service framework.
The overarching function of the role is to drive savings into our customers by removing operational overhead and optimising spend. The Consultant will also provide ad-hoc support to pre-sales/sales effort as an evangelist for the potential range of Procurement related services that may address a specific customer need.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Proactively review renewal and new-purchase transactions for Customers with a managed service to ensure that the activity results in the optimal financial and strategic outcome for the customer.
- Review existing software on the estate for functional overlaps with a view to discontinuation of one product thereby reducing volume of transactions.
- Consider alternative products, versions, editions, or suites where that would provide added value/reduced costs.
- Review software contracts for alignment with future strategy.
- Engage with vendors and internal vendor specialists to secure competing quotations and demonstrate that the quotation offering greatest value is selected – through creation and update of tracker.
- Attempt to co-term to reduce volume of transactions and secure discounts based on larger single transactions.
- Analyse historic spend to identify opportunities for consolidation or shift in structured commercial agreements that would provide the customer with lowest costs and/or increased benefits.
- Create Service Review contributions demonstrating volume of activity and evidence of value delivered and suggest service improvements.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with the procurement and SAM functions within the Customer business.
- Ensure timely delivery of a quality service as defined in the contract between Bytes and the customer meeting and exceeding SLAs.
- Provide ad-hoc procurement/commercial advice and services to individual customers.
- Maintain and continually develop knowledge of software contracts and vendors.
- Contribute to the delivery of related programs of change from an Asset Management perspective.
- Identify opportunities for Bytes where Bytes may propose new/additional Services.
- Escalate potential service issues within the business and to Bytes management.
The description above reflects the core responsibilities/activities of the role but is not intended to be all-inclusive; other duties may be required in addition to changes in the emphasis of duties as required from time to time. There is a requirement for the post holder to recognise this and adopt a flexible approach to work. Job descriptions will be reviewed regularly and where necessary revised in accordance with organisational needs.
INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITIES: You will at all times maintain open communications with the Customer, your Services team colleagues and the Bytes Account Management teams throughout an engagement. You will be both accountable and responsible for the successful and complete delivery of the defined services.
QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, & SKILLS:
Educational Qualifications: Minimum A-Level Certified - ESSENTIAL; Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant subject - DESIRABLE.
Professional Qualifications: CIPS Diploma (Standard, Advanced or Professional - ESSENTIAL); ITAM/SAM Certification/Accreditation i.e., CSAM - DESIRABLE; ILIL Foundation - DESIRABLE; Project Management Accreditation i.e., PRINCE2 - DESIRABLE.
Years of Experience: Greater than five (5) years demonstrable experience of delivering Software Procurement/Contract Management services, specifically focused on contract optimisation - ESSENTIAL; Detailed and comprehensive exposure to legal and commercial negotiation of software contracts - ESSENTIAL; Demonstrable experience in delivering Procurement services and delivering savings (cost avoidance and cost savings YoY against budget) within a complex organisation - ESSENTIAL; Knowledge of key vendor licensing schemes and contract offerings/structures - Must include Microsoft and at least one of the following; Oracle, IBM, SAP, Adobe, RedHat, Veritas and Symantec - DESIRABLE.
Other Experience: Legally able to work in the country in which the position is based - ESSENTIAL.
Contact Detail:
Bytes Software Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Asset and Procurement Administrator (Contract)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key vendor licensing schemes mentioned in the job description, such as Microsoft, Oracle, and SAP. Understanding these will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement and asset management fields. Engaging with industry peers can provide insights into best practices and may even lead to referrals or recommendations for the position at Bytes.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in IT procurement and contract management. Being knowledgeable about current market conditions and emerging technologies will show your proactive approach and readiness to contribute to Bytes' success.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've delivered savings and optimised contracts in previous roles. Having concrete data and success stories ready will help you stand out during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Asset and Procurement Administrator (Contract)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in software procurement and contract management. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you meet the qualifications and skills required for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of Bytes' mission and values. Explain how your background aligns with their goals, particularly in driving savings and optimising spend for customers.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your educational qualifications and any professional certifications, such as CIPS or ITAM/SAM accreditation. Emphasise your experience in legal and commercial negotiation of software contracts.
Showcase Your Achievements: Include specific examples of how you've delivered savings or improved procurement processes in previous roles. Quantify your achievements where possible to demonstrate your impact on cost avoidance and savings.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bytes Software Services
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Asset and Procurement Administrator role. Familiarise yourself with procurement processes, software contracts, and how they align with customer strategies. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your knowledge.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in software procurement and contract management. Highlight specific examples where you've delivered savings or optimised contracts, as this aligns directly with the key responsibilities of the role at Bytes.
✨Research Bytes
Learn about Bytes' culture, values, and recent achievements. Understanding their focus on innovation and customer satisfaction will allow you to tailor your responses and show that you're a good fit for their team.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a list of insightful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could include inquiries about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how success is measured in the role. It shows your genuine interest in the position and the company.