At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing activities and negotiate supplier agreements to drive value.
- Company: Join a growing SME in the defence sector with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, guaranteed bonus, and full funding for professional qualifications.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and exposure to diverse supply chains.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: 5 years' experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: Bristol City Centre
Onsite: 4 days per week, WFH on Fridays
Salary: £38,000 – £45,000 basic pay and on top a guaranteed bonus of £8,000
Benefits: Full funding for professional qualifications
Industry: Maritime & Defence (experience in this sector is an advantage, not a requirement)
Before you apply, please ensure you understand this role is a "sourcing" role NOT operational and therefore you MUST be confident, happy to lead negotiations, benchmark and leverage pricing plans for discounts.
You will need to hit the ground running as day one you will be handed the ownership of multiple suppliers and build credibility at meetings; hence the ability to manage workloads.
Your main role is organising bids and quotes, and you must be sociable and able to build rapport and be proactive.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are looking for a proactive and commercially focused Sourcing Procurement Officer to join our growing Procurement team. This role sits at the heart of our strategic sourcing activity, ensuring robust, competitive, and sustainable supply solutions are in place to support business requirements.
Working in a fast-paced SME environment, you will play a key role in identifying, engaging, and developing suppliers through effective market analysis and structured sourcing activity. You will build strong, collaborative relationships with both new and existing suppliers, leading negotiations, driving value, and ensuring agreements are aligned to business needs. Through thoughtful engagement, commercial insight, and a proactive approach, you will help strengthen supplier capability and long-term performance.
You will support project delivery across the business, working closely with internal stakeholders and the wider Procurement team to align sourcing strategies, manage priorities, and ensure a smooth transition from sourcing into operational delivery.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead sourcing activities from initial requirement through to supplier selection and contract award
- Develop and issue RFQs, ITTs, and other sourcing documentation, ensuring clear, structured, and compliant tender processes
- Conduct market research and supplier analysis to identify new opportunities and mitigate risk
- Develop and manage strong relationships with both new and existing suppliers
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and agreements to deliver best value while maintaining strong supplier partnerships
- Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders including Operational Procurement, Projects, Bids & Business Development
- Support the development and delivery of sourcing strategies aligned to business and programme requirements
- Ensure robust supplier selection, onboarding, and handover into operational delivery
- Maintain accurate sourcing and commercial data, with strong attention to detail across all activities
- Identify commercial and supply chain risks and implement mitigation strategies where required
- Support Assistant Procurement Officers in daily activities & escalation where required
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- Minimum of 5 years' experience within a procurement or supply chain role
- Strong understanding of sourcing fundamentals (RFQs/ITTs, supplier selection, negotiation, and contract award)
- Proven negotiation skills - able to be firm but fair, delivering value while maintaining strong supplier relationships
- Strong analytical capability, with advanced Excel skills and the ability to interpret and present data effectively
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
- A proactive, self-motivated, can-do attitude with the ability to work at pace
- Strong communication, relationship-building & engagement skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work to fixed deadlines within a dynamic SME environment
- Comfortable working cross-functionally with internal and external stakeholders
- MRP / ERP experience and ability to learn and adapt to new systems
- Full driving licence and willingness to travel within the UK and internationally
- Ability to obtain the relevant Security Clearance (SC)
- Interest in or experience within the defence sector (desirable)
- Applicable qualifications CIPS, APICS, NVQ or Degree in Procurement (desirable)
WHY JOIN US
- Be part of a collaborative, growing SME delivering critical solutions into the defence sector
- Work in a fast-paced, high-impact environment where your contribution is visible and you can make a real difference to both the team and wider organisation
- Join a supportive and forward-thinking Procurement team that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and shared success
- Opportunities for development and progression within Procurement, with exposure across both Operational and Sourcing activities, as well as the opportunity to gain Project-related experience
- Be part of a function that is evolving, giving you the chance to contribute ideas, shape processes, and influence how we work
- Gain exposure to a wide and varied supply chain, building strong supplier relationships and developing your commercial and operational skillset
- Competitive salary and benefits package, including profit share bonus scheme
How to apply? Apply now or send your CV to
Contact Details:
Cortech Talent Solutions Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Officer / Buyer (Sourcing) in Bath
✨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 Cortech Talent Solutions Ltd.
✨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 Procurement Officer / Buyer (Sourcing) in Bath
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 Cortech Talent Solutions Ltd:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Cortech Talent Solutions Ltd. 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 Cortech Talent Solutions Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cortech Talent Solutions Ltd
✨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 Cortech Talent Solutions Ltd!
✨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 Cortech Talent Solutions Ltd. 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 Cortech Talent Solutions Ltd's culture.
