At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing initiatives and negotiate contracts for IT products and services.
- Company: Join Chain IQ, a global AI-driven Procurement Service Partner with a culture of innovation.
- Benefits: Dynamic international environment, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a Great Place to Work-certified team that values your voice and ideas.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while working with cutting-edge technology and global clients.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years of sourcing experience, strong negotiation skills, and IT market knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: London, GB
At Chain IQ, your ideas move fast. Chain IQ is a global AI‑driven Procurement Service Partner, headquartered in Baar, Switzerland, with operations across main centers and 16 offices worldwide. We provide tailored, end‑to‑end procurement solutions that enable transformation, drive scalability, and deliver substantial reductions in our clients’ indirect spend. Our culture is built on innovation, entrepreneurship, ownership, and impact. Here, your voice matters – bold thinking is encouraged, and action follows ambition.
Purpose
The wider Sourcing team in the UK consists of sourcing professionals covering all indirect spend categories for our Clients. The team provides Clients with a range of sourcing services covering the end‑to‑end sourcing lifecycle, dependent on their needs, including market analysis, running market tenders, contract negotiation, and contract drafting. Each member of the team works on multiple Client projects simultaneously, in both a client‑facing and supplier‑facing role, working on both regional sourcing projects as well as global initiatives. The primary purpose of the function is to deliver value‑add sourcing services to Clients, in a structured, professional and consistent manner. The scope of the role relates to the indirect spend of clients across the categories of software, hardware and infrastructure (data centres/network/telecommunications).
The Consultant needs to be a dynamic, highly client‑focused individual with proven experience, ideally across multiple categories, but minimally with deep expertise specifically in IT. The individual will have experience in working with the main suppliers both in the UK and globally of IT products and services including software, IT hardware and IT infrastructure services (including data centres, networks, telecommunications). The individual will be responsible for delivering contract negotiations, cradle to grave, and will need to have a global awareness of the different markets for the provision of services. The individual will need to have proven experience in working with the IT suppliers within the category, both in the UK and globally. The Consultant will need to be confident in engaging with senior stakeholders and be experienced in working as part of a cross‑functional team to deliver a range of projects including complex large‑scale projects as well as smaller projects, as the work covers a mix of both.
Tasks and Responsibilities
- Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders
- Leading assigned sourcing initiatives, which vary in terms of scope and scale from routine renewals to more strategic purchases, under own initiative with minimal oversight required
- Conducting market tenders and managing the evaluation across a cross‑functional team to determine supplier selection
- Understanding business requirements and structuring deals to meet those requirements
- Negotiating deals to achieve optimal commercial terms
- Drafting contracts based on standard terms and conditions, leading cross‑functional deal teams and liaising with senior stakeholders
- Building relationships with key suppliers
- Maintaining market awareness for assigned categories, leveraging experience to contribute to sourcing area plans and opportunity assessments
- Adhering to the Chain IQ corporate standards, including using the defined sourcing tools and processes in delivery of sourcing initiatives
- Identifying and implementing opportunities to deliver savings for Clients and drive benefits through smarter, efficient sourcing
- Mentoring/coaching less experienced team members and supporting them in more complex deals as required
Requirements
- Educated to university standard or equivalent – MCIPS desirable
- Minimum 2‑3 years experience in sourcing across specific categories
- Demonstrates proven market knowledge of IT category, with skills to apply knowledge to drive maximum value for clients
- Proven capability of running large multi‑million / complex global deals, including all aspects of the tender process
- Hands‑on approach for deal execution, manage deals end to end on their own with minimal oversight
- Highly organised and results driven, can lead a cross‑functional team
- Client/stakeholder focus within the corporate environment with the gravitas to influence senior stakeholders
- Experienced negotiator and excellent communication skills
- Ability to structure complex deals and develop sourcing strategies
- Experience in understanding contracts and ability in contract drafting, with limited requirement for specialist legal support, including experience in drafting and understanding the nuances of software license agreements, evaluation agreements and SaaS agreements and the relevance of different commercial models
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, often to tight deadlines, and deliver results
- Experience in working with market leading sourcing tools and systems
- Professional team player, motivated and highly flexible
Join a truly global team. We offer a dynamic and international environment where high performance meets real purpose. We’re proud to be Great Place to Work‑certified and even prouder of the people who make that possible. Let’s shape the future of procurement – together. Chain IQ – Create. Lead. Make an impact.
Junior Sourcing Technology Services employer: Chain IQ
At Chain IQ, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant work culture that champions innovation and entrepreneurship, making us an exceptional employer for those in the Junior Sourcing Technology Services role. Located in the heart of London, our team enjoys a dynamic international environment with ample opportunities for professional growth and development, all while contributing to meaningful projects that drive real impact. With a commitment to employee well-being and recognition as a Great Place to Work, we empower our staff to voice their ideas and take ownership of their work, ensuring a rewarding career journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Sourcing Technology Services
✨Get into the Right Communities
Join online forums and local meetups tailored to procurement and purchasing professionals. Groups on platforms like LinkedIn can be super helpful for connecting with seasoned pros and staying updated on industry trends. It's a great way for us to learn the ropes and find out about potential job openings!
✨Leverage Your University Network
If you're still at uni or just graduated, tap into your career services! They often have connections with companies looking for entry-level procurement talent. Plus, attending career fairs can put you face-to-face with employers—like Chain IQ—who are keen to discover fresh talent.
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
Consider volunteering for projects or internships that allow you to demonstrate your procurement skills. Whether it’s managing resources for an event or helping local businesses streamline their purchasing process, these hands-on experiences can make your application stand out and show hiring managers your ability to contribute.
✨Don't Just Stick to Online Applications
While applying through our website is a must, be proactive! Reach out to potential employers directly, like Chain IQ. A polite email expressing your interest in their entry-level roles could make a memorable impression. You never know what doors might open if you take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Sourcing Technology Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Skills:For an entry-level role in procurement and purchasing, it’s super important to showcase any analytical skills, attention to detail, and organisational abilities. If you've done any projects or coursework relevant to supply chain management or procurement in your studies, make sure to mention that experience in your CV!
Show Your Passion for Procurement:Use your cover letter to express your interest in procurement and why you're excited about this specific opportunity at Chain IQ. Talk about your eagerness to learn and how you can contribute to their purchasing strategy. A little enthusiasm can go a long way!
Include Any Relevant Experience:Even if you don’t have direct procurement experience, consider including any internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work that demonstrate your skills in negotiation, relationship building, or project management. These transferable skills are just as important for an entry-level role!
Tailor Your Application for Chain IQ:When applying, take the time to customise your CV and cover letter for Chain IQ. Mention their values and any specific procurement challenges they face that you’d love to help with. This shows not just your effort, but also your genuine interest in the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chain IQ
✨Get to Grips with Basic Procurement Concepts
Before your interview for the Junior Sourcing Technology Services at Chain IQ, brush up on key procurement terms and processes. Knowing the difference between strategic sourcing and operational purchasing can go a long way in showcasing your knowledge and eagerness to learn!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Procurement relies heavily on analysis, so be prepared to tackle some case studies or numerical questions during your interview. Reflect on any academic projects or coursework where you've used data analysis to make purchasing decisions, as these will highlight your problem-solving skills to the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Entry-level roles often focus on your potential rather than extensive experience. Get ready for behavioural questions that explore how you handle teamwork or problem-solving. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and relate them back to any group projects or internships you've done.
✨Research Current Trends in Procurement
Being up-to-date with the latest trends can set you apart as a fresh candidate eager to contribute. Familiarise yourself with sustainable sourcing practices or digital procurement technologies, and bring these up during your interview to impress the hiring team at Chain IQ with your insights!