At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT procurement projects and manage international supplier relationships.
- Company: Join MBDA, a leading defence organisation supporting the Armed Forces.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company bonus, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave.
- Other info: Dynamic hybrid working environment with opportunities for travel across Europe.
- Why this job: Grow your career in IT procurement while making a real impact on global security.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or a willingness to learn about IT procurement.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Are you an IT Buyer looking for a Lead Buyer role? Are you looking for an international role? Are you an Indirect Buyer with an interest in technology looking for your first role in IT Procurement? If so, come and join our IT procurement team!
Salary: Circa 45,000 - 55,000 depending on experience
Dynamic (hybrid) working: 2/3 days per week on-site due to workload classification
Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply.
As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.
What we can offer you:
- Company bonus: Up to 2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
- Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
- Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
- Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
- Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
- Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave - enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
- Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more...
The opportunity: Are you an IT Buyer looking for a Lead Buyer role? Are you looking for an international role working in the UK and Europe? Are you an Indirect Buyer with an interest in technology looking for your first role in IT? Are you looking to expand your existing knowledge and skills? Are you looking to work flexibly and dynamically with a role that better suits your lifestyle but gives you a professional challenge? Come and join our IT procurement team!
We lead all aspects of IT spend across the Group: Enterprise Software, Engineering Software, Manufacturing Software, SaaS (software as a service), Services, Cyber, Networks, Hardware, Security, AI, High Performance Computing etc. There is an opportunity to specialise in one area, to develop into new ones, and we encourage our people to broaden their knowledge over time.
If you have skills in any of these areas, or are looking to move into IT procurement then we would be pleased to discuss how you might best fit within the team!
We are looking for someone who:
- Either is an established IT procurement practitioner or someone willing to learn and develop these skills who already has a good procurement knowledge in other Indirect categories
- More importantly, we are looking for someone comfortable working in an international context
- Builds internal and international relationships
- Able to own and run large procurement projects to support our Category Managers
What we're looking for from you:
- Someone who understands IT procurement, or is comfortable with learning and developing these skills
- Soft and communication skills
- A Buyer looking for the next stage in their IT career or an established Indirect Buyer looking to move into their first role in IT Procurement.
- Travel and international working is part of the role
- There are regular quarterly team meetings that rotate between our sites in the UK, Germany, Italy or Paris
- For specific projects there may also be travel required for stakeholder or supplier meetings in these locations
- Ideally we would like someone willing to or working towards MCIPS qualification. We do offer routes towards MCIPS qualification.
Our company: MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom. We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity and more...
We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.
Summary
Location: Stevenage; Bolton
Type: Full time
Lead Buyer - Information Technology in Ware employer: MBDA
MBDA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With competitive benefits such as a generous bonus scheme, flexible working arrangements, and enhanced parental leave, employees are supported in achieving a healthy work-life balance while contributing to meaningful projects that defend our freedom. Located in the UK, MBDA fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, empowering its workforce through various employee-led networks and opportunities for continuous development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Buyer - Information Technology in Ware
✨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 MBDA.
✨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 Lead Buyer - Information Technology in Ware
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 MBDA:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to MBDA. 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 MBDA.
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA
✨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 MBDA!
✨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 MBDA. 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 MBDA's culture.
