Senior Strategic Buyer (Software) in Eastwood

Are you a strategic, commercially sharp procurement professional ready to take ownership of high impact software and technology categories? At Microlise, we are looking for a Senior Strategic Buyer who thrives on autonomy, enjoys solving complex challenges, and wants to play a key role in a growing, innovative organisation. If you are already operating confidently at a senior level, particularly across software, SaaS, and indirect procurement, this is an opportunity to step into a role with genuine influence, visibility, and strategic impact.

Why this role?

• You will shape category strategies, deliver measurable savings, and partner closely with teams across IT, Product, Engineering, Finance, and Legal.
• This isn't just another procurement job. It's a role designed for someone who wants to make a tangible difference while continuing to grow their career.
• You will also have opportunities to support and mentor others across the function.

What you will be doing:

• Lead the sourcing, negotiation, and contract management of indirect, software, SaaS, and IT service categories.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies that align with organisational goals around cost optimisation, risk mitigation, and technology enablement.
• Analyse spend, market trends, and vendor landscapes to identify savings opportunities and procurement efficiencies.
• Deliver measurable cost savings through strategic negotiation, supplier consolidation, and demand management.
• Implement total cost of ownership (TCO) methodologies to ensure long term value.
• Assess and manage supplier related risks, including commercial, operational, cyber security, data privacy, and regulatory compliance risks.
• Work closely with Legal, InfoSec, and Risk teams to ensure contracts and supplier engagements satisfy corporate standards.
• Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with key software and technology suppliers.
• Lead supplier business reviews, performance assessments, and supplier development initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation through collaborative supplier engagement.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to business units, providing guidance on sourcing options, commercial terms, and supplier capabilities.
• Partner cross functionally with IT, Engineering, Product, Legal, and Finance to support technology driven initiatives.
• Communicate procurement strategies, market insights, and recommendations clearly and effectively to senior leaders.
• Ensure adherence to procurement policies, contract governance, and approval workflows.
• Support the development and improvement of procurement processes and systems (e.g., contract lifecycle management, vendor onboarding).

What we are looking for:

• Proven experience as a Buyer/Senior Buyer within the indirect arena, software, SaaS, or technology centric organisation.
• Strong track record of delivering cost savings, optimising spend, and negotiating high value agreements.
• Deep understanding of indirect service agreements, software licensing models, cloud/SaaS contracts, and IT procurement practices.
• Demonstrated ability to manage supplier risk across commercial, operational, and compliance dimensions.
• Strong influencing, negotiation and communication skills with a proven track record of effective cost management and cost savings delivery.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and relationship building skills.
• Strong analytical and commercial mindset with proficiency in data driven decision making.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, high growth environment while managing competing priorities.
• CIPS qualified or willing to work towards.
• Good working knowledge of IT packages including Microsoft and ERP systems.
• Confident outlook and a positive attitude to deliver departmental targets.
• Able to deputise for the procurement manager if required.

Why Microlise?

• Full support and training to ensure you are well equipped to succeed in your role.
• Private medical insurance with Vitality Health including rewards for members such as: Free Amazon Prime, Apple Watch, discounted gym membership and many more.
• 33 days holiday, including bank holidays, increasing year on year to 38 days, then further increases with length of service.
• Life Assurance, 4 times your annual salary.
• Free Costco membership, 20% off EE mobile and line rental, and other discounts with Reward Gateway.
• Invested in employee health and well-being with over 20 mental health first aiders in the business.
• Employee Assistance Programmes.
• Great staff extras: Easter eggs, yearly BBQ, Christmas gifts, annual staff awards and many more incentives.
• Free Microlise Cresswell Racing Tickets, support British Superbikes Executive Box at Motorpoint Arena Nottingham.
• Great Place to Work certified.
• We have been recognised by the global authority on workplace culture, so come be a part of our success.
• Best Workplace in the UK for Development, Technology, Wellbeing and Women.

Recruitment Process

For successful candidates, interviews will take place whilst the advert is still live; so don't delay getting your application in!

Recruitment Agencies

Whilst we make every effort to directly source candidates for our live roles, we do have a very small preferred supplier list on the occasion we may require additional support. We therefore do not accept speculative CVs and/or cold calls to our Recruitment Team or Hiring Managers.