At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement activities and ensure best value across contracts in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Freedom, a forward-thinking company focused on network services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension contributions, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for personal development and career growth.
- Why this job: Join a team that values safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or buying, strong communication skills, and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location
Leeds OR Stowmarket (Hybrid)
Contract Type
Full-time, Permanent
Salary
Competitive + Flexible Benefits
Freedom has an exciting opportunity for a Buyer to support procurement activity across our Network Services business in the North.
You will play a key role in delivering best value across contracts, working closely with operational teams and supply chain partners to ensure performance, cost control and continuous improvement.
- Key Deliverables
- Ensure compliance with Health & Safety processes, promoting a safety-first culture.
- Support and lead supplier performance reviews, ensuring SLAs are met and improvements implemented.
- Work closely with operational teams to ensure suppliers and subcontractors deliver best value.
- Support tender activity by providing procurement input, pricing data and supply chain expertise.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across procurement and supply chain performance.
- Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned to contract requirements.
- Lead or support procurement activities including tenders, negotiations, and order placement.
- Collaborate with operational teams to develop procurement plans and schedules.
- Support delivery of cost savings, margin improvement and rebate targets.
- Produce procurement reports and contribute to contract performance dashboards.
- Attend and support contract review meetings, ensuring actions are captured and followed through.
- What We’re Looking For
- Experience in a procurement or buying role, ideally within construction, utilities or infrastructure.
- Strong understanding of supplier management and performance monitoring.
- Experience supporting or leading tendering and negotiation processes.
- Good commercial awareness with a focus on cost control and value improvement.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with operational teams and supply chain partners.
- Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
Benefits
- Pension with a leading provider and up to 8% employer contribution
- 25 days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays
- Salary sacrifice car scheme (Hybrid/Electric Vehicle)
- Personal Wellbeing and Volunteer Days
- Private Medical Insurance
- Free 24/7 365 Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible benefits including Dental Insurance, Gym Memberships, Travel Insurance, Tax Free Bikes
- Personal development programme
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Stowmarket
✨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 Freedom.
✨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 in Stowmarket
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 Freedom:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Freedom. 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 Freedom.
How to prepare for a job interview at Freedom
✨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 Freedom!
✨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 Freedom. 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 Freedom's culture.
