At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement activities and support essential services in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a leading organisation in Belfast with a high-performing procurement team.
- Benefits: Temporary role with full support for professional qualifications and career development.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent opportunities for growth and learning.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in procurement and make a real impact on diverse projects.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs and 3 A levels or equivalent, with office experience required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
MCS Group is delighted to be recruiting for a Temporary Buyer on behalf of a leading organisation based in Belfast. This is an excellent opportunity to join a high-performing procurement team responsible for managing a substantial portfolio of contracts across a diverse range of goods and services. The successful candidate will gain exposure to a varied and rewarding procurement environment while supporting the delivery of essential services. This role would suit an organised and motivated individual with strong analytical and stakeholder management skills who is keen to develop a career in procurement and supply chain management.
The Role
- Reporting to the Category Manager, key responsibilities will include:
- Managing tendering activities for contracts above and below regulatory thresholds.
- Supporting procurement processes to ensure compliance with relevant regulations, policies and procedures.
- Conducting market research and data analysis.
- Managing procurement activities through electronic tendering systems.
- Supporting supplier negotiations, contract awards and contract extensions.
- Developing tender documentation and supporting evaluation processes.
- Providing procurement advice and guidance to stakeholders across the business.
- Maintaining contract information and records within contract management systems.
- Supporting category management activities and Category Councils.
- Producing procurement reports and supporting supplier relationship management.
- Assisting with procurement support during major incidents and business-critical activities.
Essential Criteria
- A minimum of 5 GCSEs to include Maths and English at grade C or higher.
- A minimum of 3 A levels or equivalent at grade C or higher with at least 2 years' experience working in an office or customer facing environment OR A third level qualification (e.g., HNC, HND, Degree or equivalent) with at least 1 years' experience working in an office or customer facing environment.
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook. MS Excel experience should include the ability to analyse and manipulate data for presentation in a professional manner.
- Have full CIPS membership (MCIPS) or willing to study to obtain CIPS professional qualification with full support of NI Water.
Desirable Criteria
- 1 years' experience in any aspect of procurement/supply chain management.
- Experience of using an electronic tendering system.
- Line management experience.
- Full CIPS membership or current membership of an appropriate industry body e.g., IACCM, ISM.
The Ideal Candidate - You will demonstrate:
- Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Excellent influencing and negotiation abilities.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability.
- The ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- A collaborative approach with the ability to build effective working relationships.
- A proactive attitude and the ability to work independently while contributing positively to a wider team.
What's on Offer
- Temporary opportunity for 9-12 months.
- Belfast-based role with a respected organisation.
- Full support towards professional procurement qualifications.
- Exposure to a broad range of procurement and commercial activities.
- Excellent opportunity to develop a long-term career within procurement and supply chain management.
To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity, please send an up-to-date CV via the link provided, or contact Sam Boles. Even if this position is not right for you, we may have others that are. Please visit MCS Group to view a wide selection of our current and exclusive roles. All conversations will be treated in the strictest of confidence. MCS Group is committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion for all, being the first recruitment agency in NI to achieve Bronze Diversity Mark accreditation. If you have a disability which means you require a reasonable adjustment to be considered at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us and we will endeavour to facilitate the request.
MCS Group are passionate about providing a first-class service to all our customers and have an independent review rating of 4.9 stars on Google.
Buyer employer: MCS Group
MCS Group is an exceptional employer, offering a temporary Buyer role within a high-performing procurement team in Belfast. Employees benefit from full support towards professional qualifications, exposure to diverse procurement activities, and a collaborative work culture that fosters career growth and development. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, MCS Group ensures a supportive environment for all staff, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement processes. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your knowledge about their operations and how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buyer, you'll need to showcase your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills before your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of great roles that could be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a straightforward way to get your application noticed by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Buyer role. Highlight your procurement experience, analytical skills, and any relevant qualifications like CIPS membership. We want to see how you fit into our high-performing team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about procurement and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role. Don’t forget to mention your motivation to develop a career in supply chain management.
Showcase Your Skills:Be sure to highlight your proficiency in Microsoft Excel and any experience with electronic tendering systems. We love candidates who can analyse data and present it professionally, so give us examples of how you've done this in the past!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for great talent like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at MCS Group
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Before the interview, brush up on key procurement concepts and regulations. Familiarise yourself with the tendering process and compliance requirements, as these are crucial for the role. This will show your potential employer that you're serious about the position and understand the industry.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since the role involves data analysis and market research, be prepared to discuss your experience with Microsoft Excel. Bring examples of how you've used data to make informed decisions or improve processes. This will demonstrate your analytical capabilities and readiness for the job.
✨Engage Stakeholders Effectively
Highlight your communication skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in previous roles. Discuss any experiences where you influenced decisions or negotiated outcomes, as this is vital for a Buyer position.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask. Inquire about the team dynamics, the types of contracts you'll manage, or how they support professional development. This shows your interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
