At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and manage procurement for operational services.
- Company: Cadent Gas Ltd, a leader in the utilities sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on innovation and commercial excellence.
- Why this job: Own a key portfolio and drive innovative sourcing strategies.
- Qualifications: MCIPS qualified or willing to work towards it, with strategic sourcing experience.
Are you an experienced procurement professional looking to make a real impact? We're looking for a Senior Buyer to manage our Operational Services category, leading strategic sourcing activities and helping deliver commercial value across the business. This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of a key procurement portfolio, working closely with stakeholders and suppliers to develop innovative sourcing strategies, manage commercial risks and support Cadent's business objectives.
Why you'll love this role
- Category Ownership: Take end-to-end responsibility for your portfolio, developing and delivering category strategies that support business priorities and operational requirements.
- Strategic Sourcing: Lead sourcing activities from market engagement and tendering through to contract award, ensuring best-for-task solutions for Cadent.
- Commercial Influence: Collaborate with stakeholders to understand and challenge demand, identify opportunities and deliver value-driven procurement outcomes.
- Market Insight: Analyse supply markets, supplier capabilities and emerging trends to identify future risks, opportunities and innovative solutions.
- Supplier Relationships: Build and maintain strong supplier partnerships, driving performance and long-term value through effective relationship management.
- Contract Development: Support the scoping, negotiation and implementation of contractual agreements that balance business need, commercial value and risk.
- Governance & Compliance: Ensure sourcing and contract activities align with Cadent's risk profile, legal framework and procurement obligations.
What You'll Bring
- MCIPS Qualified: Or willing to work towards achieving MCIPS accreditation.
- Strategic Sourcing Experience: Proven experience leading complex, high-value sourcing activities, including supplier negotiations, cost management and commercial decision-making.
- Commercial Awareness: Strong understanding of commercial principles, contract management and procurement best practice.
- Analytical Skills: Confidence analysing and presenting data to support sourcing strategies and contract decisions.
- Supplier & Market Knowledge: Experience researching supply markets, assessing risks and identifying opportunities to strengthen category strategies.
- Process Improvement: A track record of identifying and implementing improvements that enhance service, efficiency and customer experience.
- Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Procurement Knowledge: Understanding of UK Utilities and procurement regulations, with experience managing compliant tender processes.
- Relationship Building: Ability to develop effective working relationships internally and externally, creating collaborative and constructive partnerships.
Ready to make a difference? Apply now and join a team that values innovation, collaboration and commercial excellence. Interviews are expected to take place w/c 21st September 2026.
Senior Buyer in Ansty employer: Cadent
At Cadent, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous training opportunities and a supportive work environment, making it an ideal place for IT professionals looking to make a meaningful impact. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive benefits and a chance to work with cutting-edge technology while leading the charge in operational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Ansty
✨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 Cadent.
✨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 Ansty
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 Cadent:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Cadent. 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 Cadent.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cadent
✨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 Cadent!
✨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 Cadent. 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 Cadent's culture.
