At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and supplier optimisation for indirect spend categories.
- Company: Join a dynamic company focused on collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to mentor others.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a global environment with excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in procurement with strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Responsible for providing commercially focused procurement leadership across assigned indirect spend categories, driving strategic sourcing, supplier optimisation, and value delivery aligned to business objectives. The role combines end-to-end sourcing execution with emerging category ownership, requiring strong negotiation skills, stakeholder management, commercial judgement, and the ability to mentor junior team members.
Key Responsibilities & Deliverables
- Lead end-to-end sourcing activities including RFQs, RFPs, ITTs, and contract negotiations.
- Develop and manage category plans, identifying opportunities for cost optimisation, supplier consolidation, and value delivery.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor on procurement and commercial decisions.
- Define and implement supplier strategies, including Preferred Supplier Lists (PSLs) and supplier performance expectations.
- Ensure compliance with procurement policy, governance frameworks, and legal requirements across all activities.
- Proactively identify and develop a pipeline of sourcing opportunities aligned to business priorities.
- Mentor and support the development of junior team members, providing guidance on sourcing activities and stakeholder engagement.
- Collaborate with the Procurement Analyst to utilise spend data, insights, and reporting to inform decision-making and strategy.
- Support cross-functional initiatives and projects as required.
- Think sustainably, incorporating this mindset into sourcing decisions, supplier selection, and stakeholder engagement.
- Champion the company’s culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Requirements
- Fluency in English is required.
- Significant experience in procurement, sourcing, or commercial roles (typically 8+ years).
- Proven experience leading end-to-end sourcing activities, including RFQs/ITT and supplier negotiations.
- Demonstrated experience managing indirect spend categories (e.g., travel, marketing, professional services).
- Experience developing category plans, identifying sourcing pipelines, and delivering cost optimisation initiatives.
- Experience in supplier management, including selection, consolidation, and performance oversight.
- Ability to apply commercial insight and market knowledge to inform sourcing strategies and decision-making.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at multiple levels.
- Experience within the expedition, travel, or cruise industry beneficial but not required.
- Tech‑forward and adaptable, with a proven ability to quickly learn and utilise procurement and business systems.
- Proficiency in MS Office applications including Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
- Experience working in a multi‑national organisation with a global guest mix.
Key Personal Attributes/Behavioural Competencies
- Safety and compliance minded for yourself and others.
- Acts with integrity, professionalism, and sound commercial judgement in all decisions.
- Communicates with confidence and clarity, influencing stakeholders at multiple levels and managing complex discussions effectively.
- Proactively drives outcomes, balancing strategic priorities with execution and delivering results in a dynamic environment.
- Adaptively leads through ambiguity and supports others through transformation.
- Builds strong, trust‑based relationships across the business, acting as a collaborative and credible partner.
- Approaches work with an emphasis on attention to detail and accuracy to minimise mistakes.
- Works in an organised and logical manner, with flexibility to adapt to change when necessary.
- Demonstrates a strong sense of initiative and urgency, with the ability to follow up on outstanding matters efficiently.
- Demonstrates pride and ownership in all aspects of work, from high‑level advisory to essential day‑to‑day administration.
- Maintains a polished and professional demeanor at all times when engaging with leaders and team members with differing points of view.
Senior Buyer Indirect employer: HX Expeditions
As a Senior Buyer Indirect, you will thrive in a dynamic and collaborative work environment that prioritises professional growth and development. Our company fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, offering mentorship opportunities to enhance your skills while driving strategic sourcing initiatives. Located in a vibrant industry, we provide a unique chance to engage with diverse stakeholders and make impactful decisions that align with our sustainability goals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer Indirect
✨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 HX Expeditions.
✨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 Senior Buyer Indirect
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 HX Expeditions:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to HX Expeditions. 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 HX Expeditions.
How to prepare for a job interview at HX Expeditions
✨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 HX Expeditions!
✨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 HX Expeditions. 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 HX Expeditions's culture.
