At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing strategies and supplier management for indirect categories.
- Company: Elior UK, a top contract catering and support services provider.
- Benefits: Free meals, flexible working, generous holiday allowance, and career development.
- Other info: Join a people-first company where diversity and inclusion thrive.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a diverse team while driving sustainability and innovation.
- Qualifications: 3+ years as a Buyer with strong negotiation and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Elior UK is one of the country's leading contract catering and support services businesses, delivering food and facilities services across education, healthcare, business & industry, and stadia. We're looking for an experienced Indirects Buyer to join our Category team and help drive value, innovation, and sustainability across a broad portfolio of indirect spend.
You’ll take ownership of sourcing strategy, supplier management, and category performance across your allocated indirect categories, balancing cost, quality, service, risk, and sustainability at every stage. This is a genuinely varied role. Elior operates a devolved business structure, where our sectors and sites hold their own budgets and make their own final calls. That means your day-to-day will shift between two modes: on some projects, you’ll lead end-to-end, with full ownership of strategy and supplier selection; on others, you’ll work as a trusted advisor, shaping outcomes through expertise and relationships rather than direct authority.
If you enjoy variety, know how to build influence without needing to hold the budget, and are comfortable setting clear expectations with stakeholders from the outset, this role will suit you well.
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday | 9am till 5:30pm | Hybrid working
What you'll be serving up...
- Lead category management activity, market analysis, supplier mapping, risk assessment, and strategy development
- Design sourcing strategies and run tenders, benchmarking, and supplier selection in line with company policy
- Negotiate contracts and commercial terms that secure competitive pricing and long-term value
- Build strong supplier partnerships and run structured performance reviews
- Partner with stakeholders across the business, agreeing decision rights up front and adapting between leading and advising as each project requires
- Embed sustainability, ESG, and ethical sourcing into category strategy
- Use data and procurement systems to track savings, spend, and supplier performance
The ingredients you'll bring...
- Proven experience as a Buyer (3 years minimum)
- Significant experience within Indirects category procurement, across a variety of spend areas
- A track record of working effectively in a devolved or matrix organisation — equally confident leading with full authority and influencing without it
- Strong negotiation, contract management, and stakeholder influencing skills
- Excellent analytical and commercial acumen
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities at once, and to stay resilient and constructive when navigating ambiguity
- Degree and/or CIPS qualification (or working towards)
- Experience embedding sustainability and ESG into procurement strategy
- Exposure to digital procurement tools, spend analytics, or contract lifecycle management systems
- Experience in a multi-site, multi-sector services business (e.g. contract catering or facilities management)
Brilliant Work Deserves Brilliant Perks!
At Elior, we believe that when you love where you work, it shows. That’s why we make sure our team feels appreciated, supported, and set up for success! Here’s what’s waiting for you:
- Free, tasty meals - Enjoy tasty, nutritious food on us while you work!
- Flexible working - including part time roles, because life doesn’t run on a 9-5 schedule.
- Plenty of Time to Unwind - generous holiday allowance of 33 days, with the option to buy more.
- Leave for life’s important moments - whether family, personal or unexpected.
- Give back time - paid volunteering days for the causes you care about.
- Room to grow - career development and learning opportunities for all stages of your career.
- Financial security - pension schemes and life assurance.
- Exclusive discounts - save on entertainment, leisure, and even travel!
Why You’ll Love Working Here
We’re a people-first business with over 10,000 colleagues across the UK, serving everything from stadiums to hospitals, schools to workplaces. Our mission? To enrich lives everywhere, every day. And here’s the best part - 87% of our team say they’re proud to work here! Why? Because we create a place where you’re listened to, trusted, supported, and valued.
We Celebrate You! At Elior, diversity and inclusion aren’t just policies, they’re who we are. We know that different perspectives make us stronger, and we’re dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to succeed. Need any support or adjustments during the application process? Just let us know - we’re happy to help!
Indirects Buyer employer: Lexington-Catering
Lexington is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its team members, offering a vibrant work culture where employees feel valued and inspired. With flexible working arrangements, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to career development, Lexington ensures that its General Managers can thrive both personally and professionally while delivering outstanding service in a dynamic law firm environment. Enjoy free meals, mental health support, and exclusive discounts, making every day at work rewarding and fulfilling.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Indirects Buyer
✨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 Lexington-Catering.
✨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 Indirects Buyer
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 Lexington-Catering:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Lexington-Catering. 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 Lexington-Catering.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lexington-Catering
✨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 Lexington-Catering!
✨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 Lexington-Catering. 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 Lexington-Catering's culture.
