Lead Buyer in Manchester

The role offers the chance to work on a truly international scale, collaborating with people across the UK and Europe. With a strong emphasis on flexibility, professional development, and inclusivity, this organisation provides an environment where your skills will be nurtured and your career ambitions encouraged. Enjoy hybrid working arrangements, generous leave policies, and access to outstanding site facilities while making a meaningful impact within a collaborative procurement team.

Please note that due to the nature of the role you must be eligible for UK Security Clearance to be considered.

What You'll Do:

• Manage end-to-end procurement processes for IT categories including enterprise software, engineering software, manufacturing software, SaaS solutions, services, cyber security products, networks, hardware, AI technologies, and high-performance computing.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders across multiple countries to understand business needs and deliver effective procurement solutions that align with organisational objectives.
• Lead large-scale procurement projects under the guidance of Category Managers, ensuring timely delivery and compliance with all relevant policies and procedures.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with both internal teams and external suppliers at national and international levels to foster collaboration and achieve best value outcomes.
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers to secure favourable terms while ensuring quality standards are met and risks are minimised.

What You Bring:

• Demonstrable experience in procurement, ideally within IT categories, or transferable knowledge from other indirect procurement roles coupled with a willingness to learn about technology purchasing.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport quickly with colleagues from diverse backgrounds as well as external suppliers operating internationally.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities that enable you to present ideas clearly during negotiations or cross-functional meetings.
• Proven track record of managing complex projects independently or as part of a team while meeting deadlines under pressure.

The Company:

This organisation stands out as a leading force within its sector thanks not only to its commitment to technological excellence but also its unwavering dedication to employee wellbeing. Flexible working is genuinely embraced: whether you need hybrid arrangements or additional flexi-leave days each year (up to 15 extra), your lifestyle needs are taken seriously alongside your professional aspirations. Enhanced parental leave policies provide peace of mind during life's important moments, including maternity/adoption/shared parental/paternity/neonatal/fertility treatment support, while generous pension contributions help secure your future. On-site facilities further enhance daily life: subsidised meals keep you energised; free car parking removes logistical stress; modern amenities create an enjoyable workspace. Most importantly there is a shared sense of purpose here: every employee plays their part in supporting vital national interests through responsible procurement practices that underpin operational success across borders.

About the job

Contract Type: Permanent

Specialism: Procurement & Supply Chain

Focus: Purchasing / Procurement

Industry: Purchasing and Procurement

Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 per annum + Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of u

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Experience Level: Associate

Location: Greater Manchester

FULL_ TIME

Job Reference: WCMY24-44661EB8

Date posted: 9 July 2026

Consultant: Jess Vernal