At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and engage with key stakeholders to enhance policing services.
- Company: Join the South West Police Procurement Service, a growing team making a real impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, subsidised gym membership, and excellent pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working with supportive training and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a positive difference in your community while developing your career in procurement.
- Qualifications: Commercial acumen and willingness to achieve CIPS Level 3 qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 33603 - 37020 £ per year.
Salary £33,603 rising by yearly increments to a maximum of £37,020 per annum + Excellent Benefits including Government Pension.
Location: Avon & Somerset, Devizes, Wiltshire, Police Headquarters, Exeter, Police Headquarters, Winfrith, Dorset, Other can be based at any one of the 5 SW Headquarters.
Type of employment: Permanent.
Closing Date: 24/06/2026, 12:00.
Hours per week: this role is 37 hours per week. However, we welcome applications from individuals wishing to work on a part-time basis and we are willing to consider flexible working patterns subject to business need.
About the role:
The South West Police Procurement Service (SWPPS) has an exciting new opportunity for a Category Buyer to join their regional team of experts delivering procurement services to the five Police Forces in the South West. It is a fantastic time to join the team as it continues to grow and deliver value for money through the procurement lifecycle, having a positive impact on the policing service we provide to our communities. The team is almost thirty strong and are responsible for over 500 contracts with a spend of circa £480m. Procurement in policing is varied and includes works, goods, and services that support operational policing.
As a Category Buyer you will provide expert support to the work of SWPPS and will lead on individual procurements to deliver each category’s strategy. This will involve engagement with key stakeholders (including operational and technical experts in each of the forces) and building effective and productive relationships with specific suppliers. Applicants should be able to demonstrate commercial acumen and ideally hold CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply) Level 3 or be willing to undertake and achieve the CIPS qualifications.
This is a hybrid working role with flexibility to work from home and/or one of the five Police Headquarters in the South West region (Exeter, Portishead, Gloucester, Devizes, Winfrith). There is an expectation to attend occasional onsite meetings within the region. This is a great opportunity not only to join one of Policing’s largest procurement teams and gain from all the benefits that brings, but ultimately contribute to operational policing and make a positive difference to the communities we serve.
Benefits:
- A competitive salary with yearly increments.
- Access to heavily subsidised gym membership that will provide you access to police site gyms throughout the counties.
- Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme for discounts and services (requires a one-off payment of £5).
- Company sick pay.
- Competitive local government pension scheme.
- Job related equipment supplied, as required.
- Free onsite parking at many police sites throughout the counties.
- Access to Group insurance scheme (via salary sacrifice scheme).
- Support networks, free Employees' Assistance Programme, Occupational Health and wellbeing services.
- Development and training opportunities available.
- Supportive and flexible training plan, including regular check-ins throughout your initial period of joining us to ensure you are up to speed with the role and getting the support you need.
- Flexitime, with the ability to undertake your hours flexibly and in line with business need.
- Hybrid working, with the ability to work remotely at times throughout the working week (once signed off the training plan).
Hiring Line Manager: Gemma Hawkins - Category Manager
Email Address: gemma.hawkins@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk
Category Buyer in Exeter employer: Devon and Cornwall Police
Join the South West Police Procurement Service as a Category Buyer and become part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering exceptional procurement services across five Police Forces. With a competitive salary, excellent benefits including a local government pension scheme, and a supportive work culture that values flexibility and employee development, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on community policing while enjoying a balanced work-life environment in the beautiful South West region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the procurement field, especially those connected to the police forces. Attend industry events or webinars to make connections and learn more about what they’re looking for in a Category Buyer.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the specific challenges faced by the South West Police Procurement Service. Show us you understand their needs and how your skills can help tackle them. Tailor your responses to highlight your commercial acumen and experience in procurement.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the important work we do in policing.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Category Buyer role. We want to see how you can contribute to our team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your commercial acumen!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on experiences that relate directly to procurement and stakeholder engagement. We love seeing examples of how you've built relationships and delivered value in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the team!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Devon and Cornwall Police
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on procurement principles and practices, especially those relevant to policing. Familiarise yourself with the CIPS framework and be ready to discuss how you can apply your knowledge to the role of a Category Buyer.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, think about how you would build relationships with them. Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully collaborated with different teams or suppliers to achieve a common goal.
✨Show Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to demonstrate your understanding of commercial strategies and how they can impact procurement decisions. Think of specific instances where you've made cost-effective choices or negotiated better deals in previous roles.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the team dynamics, the types of contracts you'll be managing, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the position is right for you.
