At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in acquiring goods and services while building strong supplier relationships.
- Company: Join Hodge, a Welsh financial service provider focused on real estate finance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and a commitment to equality and diversity.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to improve lives and make a positive impact on society.
- Qualifications: Previous buyer or paralegal experience with strong negotiation and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 36000 £ per year.
Closing date: 05 Jul 2026
Salary: £30,000 to £36,000
Contract: Full Time
Hours: 35
Location: Cardiff
Do you want to be part of a force for good, helping to make life better for customers & society in the moments that matter? At Hodge, we put people at the heart of our business and that means our customers, colleagues and communities. Hodge is a Welsh financial service provider that focuses on real estate finance, and specialist residential mortgage markets.
Assist with the acquisition of goods and services across the organisation, working within the Finance team and reporting directly to the Head of Procurement. This role supports the development and management of supplier relationships, supporting internal colleagues and building a resilient supply chain tailored to a dynamic financial service environment. The role will build strong relationships with both external suppliers and internal colleagues to manage the contract lifecycle from onboarding to offboarding, ensuring the organisation is abreast of upcoming renewals and has the correct documentation in place. The role will support in embedding a culture of commercial awareness and continuous improvement across the organisation, to deliver value for money, ensuring contractual compliance.
Essential Experience
- Previous buyer or paralegal experience
- Sound negotiation acumen with a record of identifying value for money within a challenging environment
- Ability to build relationships and engage colleagues at all levels
- Strong organisational and project management skills
Key responsibilities will include:
- Responsible for supporting and implementing the Procurement policy, processes and procedures
- Develop and maintain a range of effective relationships both across the organisation and with suppliers
- Supporting the end-to-end procurement processes, ensuring best value and compliance
- Identify, evaluate and negotiate with suppliers to secure best value
- Remain abreast of external market trends related to the financial services industry
- Ensure that suppliers have compliant third-party risk management and that appropriate due diligence is performed
- Manage contract renewals and documentation within the contracts database
- Oversee and refine procurement risk and performance reporting, automating where possible
- Communicating with relevant suppliers to process invoicing or payment queries
Procurement Processes:
- Generate and analyse data to identify root causes and inform robust procurement decisions
- Support and input to key projects and colleagues
- Support in fostering organisational awareness of procurement best-practices and value-for-money principles
- Assist in developing or amending procurement related policies, templates and procedures to support continuous improvement
- Organise and manage colleagues and SMEs input into the due diligence process
Negotiation:
- Support on developing specifications for tendering and contracting purposes
- Undertake tactical and strategic negotiations
- Assist in the resolution of supplier performance issues or problems
- Manage contract renewals and documentation within the contracts database
- Review and negotiate contractual and commercial terms to the best value of the organisation
- Challenge whether internal requests for expenditure are within budget and present value for money for the organisation, suggesting alternatives where applicable
Procurement Systems:
- Ensure the orderly flow of requisitions and orders through the Procurement to Pay system (Medius)
- Contribute to system development initiatives such as database enhancements, catalogue creation and automation improvements
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records to support audit, reporting and compliance requirements
- Ensuring the timely flow of invoices through the Medius system
Please be aware that should we pursue your application, all our Financial Services employees will be expected to complete background checks to assess suitability for employment, these include; a criminal record, identity, media, sanctions, adverse finance, fraud prevention and reference checks to comply with our regulatory requirements.
Hodge is an advocate of being an equal opportunities employer. We believe in promoting equality and diversity which is central to our lives today. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and recognise the value a diverse workforce brings to an organisation.
ESG and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do and serve as a reminder of the responsibility we have to our stakeholders, customers, colleagues and the communities we operate in to use our position wisely. We’re currently exploring different certifications available and have done an initial review of how we think we’d fare, as we see this as a real opportunity for Hodge given our social purpose.
Apply today to become part of Hodge’s mission to make life better for customers and society in the moments that matter.
Buyer in Cardiff employer: Julian Hodge Bank
Hodge is an exceptional employer located in Cardiff, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees and the communities it serves. With a strong focus on professional development and continuous improvement, Hodge offers its team members the opportunity to grow within a dynamic financial services environment while contributing to meaningful projects that make a positive impact on society. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values diversity, sustainability, and the importance of building lasting relationships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Cardiff
✨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 Julian Hodge Bank.
✨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 Cardiff
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 Julian Hodge Bank:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Julian Hodge Bank. 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 Julian Hodge Bank.
How to prepare for a job interview at Julian Hodge Bank
✨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 Julian Hodge Bank!
✨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 Julian Hodge Bank. 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 Julian Hodge Bank's culture.
