At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage IT procurement activities and lead supplier negotiations for contract renewals.
- Company: Drax, a leader in sustainable energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, generous holiday, and a discretionary bonus.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team shaping a zero carbon future while developing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT procurement and strong commercial awareness required.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
Procurement Officer - IT Full time, Permanent
Location – Flexible (Ipswich, Selby, London, Glasgow)
Hybrid working with travel to an office location as and when required
Reporting to Head of Procurement – IT, you will play a key role in supporting a broad range of IT procurement activities across Drax.
Working closely with stakeholders across the business you will manage sourcing activities from initial engagement through to contract signature, ensuring commercial value is delivered whilst maintaining appropriate governance and managing business risk.
Initially the role will focus on IT contract renewals, enabling you to build a strong understanding of our processes, systems and supplier landscape.
You will take ownership of renewals from stakeholder engagement through to contract signature, leading supplier negotiations, undertaking an initial commercial review of supplier contracts and terms, identifying key commercial and contractual risks, and working collaboratively with Contract Owners, Legal, Data Protection and Information Security teams where appropriate to ensure business risks are effectively managed.
This is a fast-paced role where you will often be managing multiple procurement activities whilst balancing stakeholder expectations and ensuring activities are delivered in line with Drax's governance, policies and procedures.
As you become more confident in the role and your experience develops, you will support a wider range of sourcing activities across the IT category portfolio, taking on increasing responsibility for more complex procurement initiatives.
Drax is committed to developing its colleagues and in this procurement role we'd be happy to support World Contracting & Commerce certification (previously IACCM) or CIPS membership.
We are looking for someone with previous IT procurement experience, a strong commercial mindset and a passion for building trusted relationships with stakeholders and suppliers.
Managing end-to-end IT procurement activities from stakeholder engagement through to contract signature.
- Leading supplier negotiations and delivering commercial value.
- Undertaking an initial commercial review of supplier contracts and terms, identifying key commercial and contractual risks.
- Working collaboratively with Contract Owners, Legal, Data Protection and Information Security teams, where appropriate, to support contract negotiations and effectively manage business risks.
- Building strong relationships with stakeholders and suppliers, confidently providing commercial challenge where appropriate.
- Managing multiple procurement activities whilst delivering to agreed timescales.
Experience across one or more IT categories, such as Software, Saa S, Cloud, Infrastructure, Networks or End User Computing (EUC), is essential.
Experience with Professional Services procurement, Statements of Work (So Ws) or outsourcing arrangements would be beneficial but is not essential.
Whilst CIPS or any other recognised Procurement would be beneficial, we welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate relevant IT procurement experience and strong commercial awareness and a proactive approach to delivering value.
We generate dispatchable, renewable power and create stable energy in an uncertain world.
Building on our proud heritage, we have ambition to become the global leader in sustainable biomass and carbon removals.
We're enabling a zero carbon, lower cost energy future for all, and working hard to decarbonise the planet for generations to come.
As you help us to shape the future, we've shaped our rewards and benefits to help you thrive and support
A discretionary bonus of up to 15%
- Private Healthcare
- SAYE (Sharesave): discretionary scheme from time to time
- Group personal pension plan where we'll pay up to 10%
- Holiday 25 days plus bank holidays
- To make this a reality, we actively work to better represent the communities we operate in, foster inclusion, and establish fair processes.
Through these actions, we build the trust needed for all colleagues at Drax to contribute their perspectives and talents, no matter their background.
Talk to us about flexible working!
If you want to find out more about Drax, check out our Linked In page to see our latest news.
If you'd like to have a confidential chat to discuss the role in more detail, please email careers@drax.
LI-HYBRID
Buyer/Contract Officer in Birmingham employer: Drax
Drax is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Glasgow where innovation meets sustainability. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide comprehensive benefits including a discretionary bonus and pension plan, alongside a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Join us in our mission towards a zero-carbon energy future, and be part of a team that values your expertise and contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer/Contract Officer in Birmingham
✨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 Drax.
✨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 Buyer/Contract Officer in Birmingham
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 Drax:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Drax. 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 Drax.
How to prepare for a job interview at Drax
✨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 Drax!
✨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 Drax. 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 Drax's culture.
