At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technology procurement and optimise spending for major projects at Manchester Airport.
- Company: Join MAG, the largest UK-owned airport operator with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 15% bonus, flexible working, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values diversity and offers excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on technology procurement while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in technology procurement and strong stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Permanent, Full-time Location: Manchester Airport (Hybrid working: 3 days per week in the office)
Summary
Based at Manchester Airport Hybrid working model with 3 days per week in the office. Competitive salary plus 15% bonus. Opportunity to shape and influence technology procurement across one of the UK's largest airport groups.
About MAG
At MAG we provide the airport facilities and travel services that people need to connect with the world. As the largest UK-owned airport operator, we serve over 60 million passengers a year from Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands Airports. With over 270 destinations across the globe, our businesses not only bring people together but also support the prosperity of the regions in which we operate. Sustainability is one of our core values, and it shapes everything we do. We're committed to protecting the environment and supporting our local communities. Our programmes include airport and airline decarbonisation, comprehensive education, skills and employment support, and community engagement initiatives including volunteering opportunities.
At MAG, we recognise creating a first-class journey for our customers starts by creating a first-class career journey for our colleagues, and we are committed to building inclusive environments in which our people can thrive.
You'll also have access to some great benefits including:
- 15% Bonus Scheme
- Flexible and generous company pension plan with various company contribution options (up to 8%)
- 24 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Free parking
- Subsidised public transport
- Huge range of company discounts
- 2 volunteering days per year
- Free Virtual GP service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Care Concierge service
About the Role
We're looking for an experienced technology procurement professional to join our Group Procurement & Contracts team as a Senior Buyer. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in managing and optimising MAG's technology spend, covering everything from enterprise software, SaaS platforms and cloud services through to major technology transformation projects that support our airports, corporate functions and the wider business. Working within a highly collaborative procurement team, you'll partner closely with stakeholders across Technology, Finance, Legal and Operations to develop sourcing strategies, lead complex procurement activities and deliver measurable commercial value. You'll have ownership of a significant technology portfolio, helping to drive cost efficiencies, manage supplier performance and support strategic business initiatives. This role offers exceptional variety. One day you could be leading negotiations for a major software agreement, and the next supporting projects that impact airport operations, customer experience or critical infrastructure. You'll also have opportunity to contribute to Procurement Act compliance, supplier strategy development and group-wide transformation programmes, including spend across MAG and CAVU. Joining MAG at a time when procurement is playing a highly visible role in delivering business savings and value creation, you'll have the chance to make a genuine impact while working alongside a supportive, down-to-earth team that values collaboration over ego.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end procurement activities across a broad technology portfolio, including software, SaaS, cloud services, technology platforms and associated professional services.
- Develop and implement procurement and category strategies that align with business objectives and deliver long-term value.
- Manage competitive tendering processes, supplier selection exercises and commercial negotiations.
- Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across MAG to understand requirements and influence commercial decision-making.
- Deliver savings, cost avoidance initiatives and other measurable commercial benefits across technology spend.
- Manage supplier performance and relationships, ensuring service, commercial and operational objectives are achieved.
- Monitor technology markets and industry trends to identify opportunities, innovations and emerging suppliers.
- Ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and MAG's procurement governance framework.
- Support contract management activities, risk mitigation and continuous improvement initiatives across the supplier base.
- Contribute to wider procurement projects and support other category teams where required.
What Will Make You Successful
- Significant procurement experience with a strong focus on technology, software, SaaS, cloud services or IT-related spend categories.
- Experience leading complex sourcing exercises and commercial negotiations in a category-managed environment.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and challenge at all levels of the organisation.
- A commercially minded approach, with a proven track record of delivering savings, value creation and supplier optimisation initiatives.
- Experience managing supplier relationships and driving performance through robust contract and supplier management practices.
- Strong understanding of procurement best practice and commercial governance.
- Knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 would be advantageous, although not essential.
- MCIPS qualified or working towards MCIPS, or equivalent procurement experience.
- A collaborative and pragmatic approach, with the ability to build trusted relationships across teams and suppliers.
- Strategic thinker who can balance immediate business requirements with longer-term commercial objectives.
Equal Opportunities & Reasonable Adjustments
We're building something brilliant at MAG: a diverse team of Journey Makers who share our values and want to make a difference. We're on a mission to be number one in our industry, and that takes talent in all its forms. With so many exciting roles across our airports and businesses, there's space for your unique strengths to shine. Whether this is your first role with us or your next big career move, we want to hear from you, even if you don't think you meet every requirement. What matters most is what you bring. We're proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you need any adjustments to support your application or interview, just let us know. We're committed to helping you perform at your best. At MAG, every journey matters. Our Colleague Communities play a big part in that: Women's Network, Embrace (Race & Ethnicity), Fly with Pride (LGBTQIA+), Mind Matters (Mental Health), PACT (Parents & Carers), RespectABILITY (Disability & Neurodiversity), and the CAVU Global ID&E Affinity Group.
Senior Buyer in Manchester employer: MAG
CAVU is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for the Head of Portfolio Management & Governance to thrive. With a hybrid work model based at Manchester Airport, employees enjoy a supportive environment that prioritises personal growth, offers extensive benefits including a generous holiday allowance and wellness initiatives, and encourages meaningful contributions to transforming airport travel experiences. Join us to be part of a dynamic team where your strategic insights will directly impact our ambitious goals and enhance the travel experience for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Manchester
✨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 MAG.
✨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 in Manchester
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 MAG:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to MAG. 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 MAG.
How to prepare for a job interview at MAG
✨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 MAG!
✨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 MAG. 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 MAG's culture.
