At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing initiatives for IT spend, managing complex categories and engaging senior stakeholders.
- Company: Dynamic company in London focused on innovative IT procurement solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to mentor junior team members.
- Why this job: Join a leading team to shape IT sourcing strategies and make impactful decisions.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in IT procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: London, GB
Purpose of the Role
Deliver value add sourcing services across the full sourcing lifecycle for IT related spend (HW, SW, IT Services, ITO/BPO). The Lead IT Buyer acts as a senior sourcing leader capable of managing complex IT categories, leading strategic BCV and AVC workstreams, engaging senior IT stakeholders (CIO, IT directors), and providing guidance to junior sourcers.
Key Responsibilities
- End to End Sourcing Delivery
Lead sourcing initiatives across all phases: market analysis, RFP management, supplier evaluation, negotiation, and drafting of contractual documents. Manage regional and global initiatives concurrently, ensuring consistent, structured delivery. - Category Leadership for IT / ITO
Act as deep subject matter expert for IT (HW, SW, application development, testing, maintenance, infrastructure, cloud, ITO, BPO). Maintain global market awareness across major IT suppliers and service models. Bring proven experience working with Tier1 IT suppliers in Switzerland, UK, and global regions. - BCV / AVC Contributions
Drive or support BCV (Business Case Validation) work: contract analysis, supplier assessment, spend insights, pipeline creation. Lead or co-lead AVC (Accelerated Value Capture) initiatives by engaging stakeholders early to validate IT opportunities. Translate BCV insights into executable sourcing strategies. - Senior Client & Stakeholder Management
Act as a senior interface to client IT leadership (CIO / IT Management). Confidently lead discussions, influence decision-makers, and align priorities. Represent Chain IQ as the primary expert in client engagements involving IT categories. Project Lead a small team of sourcers where required. Coach, upskill, and support junior and tactical sourcers. Ensure adherence to standard sourcing processes, tools, and templates. - Cross Functional Collaboration
Work jointly with legal, finance, compliance, and technical SMEs for complex deals. Partner with global teams for alignment on strategy and execution. - Governance, Tools & Documentation
Maintain documentation quality and sourcing audit trails. Support digital sourcing tools (e.g., Archlet, Knowledge Hub). Contribute to category knowledge bases and internal best practice sharing.
Required Experience & Competencies
- Technical / Category Expertise
Deep knowledge in IT Services, Software, Hardware, ITO, BPO. Strong understanding of commercial models, rate cards, service towers, SLAs, and benchmarking practices. - Sourcing Mastery
Advanced negotiation capability (commercial & contractual). Extensive experience managing complex RFPs, multi provider sourcing, and global supplier portfolios. - Stakeholder & Communication Skills
Excellent communication with senior IT stakeholders. Ability to challenge and influence the business. - Leadership & Ownership
Ability to take full ownership of sourcing workstreams (including BCV/AVC). Capable of coordinating across functions and geographies. - Other Requirements
High client orientation. Strong analytical skills and ability to navigate matrix environments. Ability to manage multiple high priority projects simultaneously.
Lead Procurement IT in London employer: Chain IQ
At Chain IQ, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of London. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training programmes and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that our team members thrive in their careers while contributing to impactful sourcing initiatives. With a focus on strategic leadership and engagement with senior IT stakeholders, we provide a unique environment where your expertise in IT procurement can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Procurement IT in London
✨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 Chain IQ.
✨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 Lead Procurement IT in London
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 Chain IQ:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Chain IQ. 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 Chain IQ.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chain IQ
✨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 Chain IQ!
✨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 Chain IQ. 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 Chain IQ's culture.
