Senior Buyer - IT in Southampton

Senior Buyer - IT in Southampton

Southampton Full-Time 50000 - 60000 € / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Carnival Corporation

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead IT procurement, manage contracts, and drive supplier relationships for impactful outcomes.
  • Company: Join Carnival UK, a leader in creating unforgettable holiday experiences.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, competitive salary, employee discounts, and generous leave.
  • Other info: Diverse team culture with opportunities for personal growth and development.
  • Why this job: Be a key player in shaping procurement strategies and driving innovation.
  • Qualifications: Strong negotiation skills and experience in supplier management required.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.

As part of our continuing journey of growth and innovation at Carnival UK, we are seeking an Information Technology Senior Buyer to bring fresh perspective, strong expertise and commercial leadership to our Procurement function.

In this pivotal role, you will take full ownership of end-to-end procurement activity across the IT category. With project management at the heart of the sourcing process, you will operate with a high degree of autonomy, partnering closely with senior stakeholders across the business to deliver meaningful, value driven outcomes.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Develop, implement and lead the IT category sourcing strategy, managing ongoing commercial, operational, quality and risk requirements across the portfolio.
  • Lead and execute tendering, negotiation, contracting and contract management activities across significant spend areas, while driving strong Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) to ensure optimum service, value and performance.
  • Act as a trusted Procurement Business Partner for both projects and operational teams, embedding procurement as a strategic enabler and leading change initiatives across Carnival UK.

This role is positioned at CUK08 level within our organization and is available on a full-time, fixed term basis until February 2027. We offer hybrid work including up to two days from home.

What You'll Bring:

Your unique background and skills are what will make you stand out. We're looking for:

  • Excellent negotiation skills, including experience drafting and managing contracts of varying values and complexity.
  • Strong supplier management and Service Level Agreement management capability.
  • Knowledge of purchasing systems, procurement processes, and contractual frameworks.
  • Up-to-date MS Office skills, with strong Excel capability.

About You: The Ideal Candidate

You are more than just your CV. You're someone who brings:

  • The ability to work independently with minimal guidance while managing complex procurement activity.
  • Confidence and credibility when communicating complex issues to cross-functional stakeholders.
  • A collaborative, business-partnering mindset.
  • A proactive approach, bringing fresh ideas and different perspectives to drive value and change.

Application Guidance:

Diversity is our strength, and we encourage applications from those with varied experiences, whether you meet every listed requirement or not. If you’re passionate about Procurement and are looking for an opportunity to grow, we’d love to hear from you.

Why Join Us?

Working with us means more than just a role in Procurement. It’s about being part of a team that values well-being and personal growth. Here’s what we offer:

  • Employee Discounted Cruising plus Friends and Family offers
  • Annual bonus
  • Minimum 25 days leave, bank holiday allowance and holiday trading scheme
  • Company paid Health Cash Plan and health assessment
  • In-house Occupational Health help and access to digital GP
  • Life Assurance
  • Employee Shares Plan
  • Electric Car and Cycle to Work schemes
  • Discounted retail and leisure via discounts portal

Due to the popularity of our roles and our commitment to finding the best talent, we might close applications earlier than advertised. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to become part of a team dedicated to creating unforgettable holiday happiness. Apply today to start your journey with us.

Senior Buyer - IT in Southampton employer: Carnival Corporation

At Carnival UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions employee well-being and personal growth. As a Senior Buyer in IT, you will enjoy a collaborative work culture that values diverse perspectives, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including discounted cruising, annual bonuses, and flexible hybrid working arrangements. Join us to not only advance your career in procurement but also to be part of a team dedicated to creating unforgettable holiday experiences.

Carnival Corporation

Contact Detail:

Carnival Corporation Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer - IT in Southampton

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Senior Buyer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Carnival UK and its procurement strategies. Show us that you understand our values and how you can contribute to our growth. Tailor your responses to highlight your negotiation skills and supplier management experience.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the Senior Buyer position. We want to hear about your successes in managing contracts and driving value through procurement.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Carnival UK. Let’s make this happen!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer - IT in Southampton

Negotiation Skills
Contract Management
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
Service Level Agreement Management
Purchasing Systems Knowledge
Procurement Processes
Contractual Frameworks

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior Buyer role. Highlight your negotiation skills and supplier management experience, as these are key for us at Carnival UK.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to showcase your personality and passion for procurement. Share specific examples of how you've driven value in previous roles, and don’t forget to mention why you want to join our team!

Showcase Your Project Management Skills:Since project management is at the heart of this role, be sure to detail any relevant projects you've managed. We want to see how you’ve successfully navigated complex procurement activities in the past.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Carnival UK!

How to prepare for a job interview at Carnival Corporation

Know Your Procurement Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your procurement processes and contractual frameworks. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in IT procurement, as well as any specific systems the company might use. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in the role.

Show Off Your Negotiation Skills

Prepare examples of past negotiations where you’ve successfully managed contracts or supplier relationships. Be ready to discuss your approach to negotiation and how you ensure value-driven outcomes. This is key for a Senior Buyer role, so make it count!

Be a Collaborative Partner

Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to work with cross-functional teams. Prepare stories that highlight your collaborative mindset and how you've acted as a trusted partner in previous roles. This will resonate well with their emphasis on business partnering.

Bring Fresh Ideas

Carnival UK is looking for someone who can bring new perspectives. Think about innovative strategies or changes you've implemented in past roles that led to improved procurement outcomes. Share these ideas during your interview to showcase your proactive approach.