At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and optimise professional services for impactful projects.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at a leading automotive company in Warwickshire.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting role with potential for career advancement in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in procurement while working with senior stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in purchasing and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60150 - 80199 € per year.
Location: Gaydon, Warwickshire (hybrid and in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays)
Rate: £40.72ph via an Umbrella Company (Inside IR35) or £30.30ph on a PAYE basis
Employment Type: Contract (6 months)
Hours: Standard 40 Hours Per Week
Reference: 37149415
This role leads the strategic sourcing, development, and ongoing optimisation of a diverse portfolio of Professional Services categories, supporting BAU and Reimagine transformation.
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities
- Category Strategy
- Lead the development and delivery of Strategic Category Plans (SCPs), ensuring creation, alignment, and compliance.
- Conduct detailed spend analytics, demand modelling, and market intelligence assessments.
- Translate business needs into actionable category strategies.
- Define long-term category roadmaps including supplier segmentation and maturity progression.
- Identify, assess, and rationalise the supplier base.
- Lead cross-functional category governance, including Consultancy Category Boards.
- Promote early stakeholder engagement and strategic procurement planning.
- Identify and drive continuous improvements in category management maturity.
- Sourcing
- Lead end-to-end sourcing events for all Professional Services categories.
- Apply Total Cost of Ownership principles and value-based procurement.
- Lead complex negotiations including contractual, commercial, and delivery-based elements.
- Develop bespoke sourcing strategies for complex or urgent business demands.
- Partner with Legal (OGC) for commercial terms, IP, and risk considerations.
- Coach and support junior buyers on procurement excellence.
- Ensure high-quality sourcing documentation (eGSP, SBR, SCP alignment, SAP Ariba).
- Align with global and regional buying teams.
- Contract Management & Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
- Lead the end-to-end Contract Management lifecycle across Professional Services.
- Develop performance frameworks including KPIs, SLAs, and governance structures.
- Conduct regular SRM reviews with senior supplier executives.
- Identify in-contract value including rate optimisation and scope refinement.
- Own supplier-related risk management activities.
- Ensure clear contractual deliverables and milestone tracking.
- Drive supplier innovation, digitalisation, and productivity improvements.
- Ensure commercial governance and auditing compliance.
- Stakeholder Leadership & Business Partnering
- Build strong, trusting, and influential relationships with stakeholders.
- Act as a commercial advisor to senior leadership.
- Support business case development with commercial insights.
- Challenge and manage demand to ensure cost efficiency.
- Partner with Transformation Leads, Finance, and more.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential
- Self-motivated, uses initiative and problem solver - focussed on delivering results, with a proven track record of demonstrating logic and analytical thinking.
- Able to deliver quality and consistency in a complex, highly demanding environment.
- Professionally qualified with a proven track record in a purchasing environment.
- Strong leadership and influencing skills (experience in managing senior stakeholders is vital).
- Excellent stakeholder management and relationship management skills and experience.
- An excellent negotiator with a proven track record of successful commercial negotiations.
- Able to manage and execute complex projects on time and in budget.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to converse at all levels of the organisation and with external suppliers/customers.
- Valid Driving license required.
Desirable
- Previous experience as a Buyer in an Indirect Procurement function.
- Shared Service/Business Process Outsourcing background desirable but not mandatory.
- Ability to be highly organised and continually focus on attention to detail.
- A commercial understanding of terms and conditions and ability to negotiate them (with the support of OGC).
Service Buyer - J37149415 employer: Caresoft Global Limited
At our Gaydon location, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to excel in their roles. As a Service Buyer, you will benefit from competitive pay rates, a hybrid working model, and opportunities for professional growth through mentorship and collaboration with senior stakeholders. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values innovation and continuous improvement in procurement practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Buyer - J37149415
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We recommend practising common interview questions and tailoring your answers to highlight your experience in strategic sourcing and supplier management. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We suggest mentioning something specific from your conversation to remind them why you’re the ideal candidate for the Service Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’ve got loads of resources to help you ace the process and land that Service Buyer position.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Buyer - J37149415
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in strategic sourcing and category management. We want to see how your skills align with the key accountabilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills:Since this role involves complex negotiations, don’t forget to include specific examples of successful negotiations you've led. We love seeing how you’ve tackled challenges and achieved results!
Highlight Stakeholder Management Experience:This position requires strong relationship-building skills, so be sure to mention any experience you have in managing senior stakeholders. We’re looking for evidence of your ability to influence and advise at all levels.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caresoft Global Limited
✨Know Your Categories
Before the interview, dive deep into the Professional Services categories you'll be managing. Understand the current market trends, key players, and any recent changes in the industry. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking and ability to develop actionable category strategies.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you've successfully navigated complex contractual terms. Be ready to discuss your approach to Total Cost of Ownership principles and how you've driven value-based procurement in previous roles. This will highlight your expertise and readiness for the challenges of the Service Buyer position.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you've built strong relationships with stakeholders in the past. Be prepared to share specific instances where your influencing skills made a difference. This role requires excellent stakeholder management, so showcasing your ability to connect and communicate effectively will set you apart.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Come equipped with examples that showcase your self-motivation and problem-solving skills. Discuss situations where you've identified issues and implemented solutions, especially in a complex environment. This will illustrate your capability to deliver results and manage projects effectively.
