Senior Buyer - Technology Procurement in Manchester

Senior Buyer - Technology Procurement in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 50000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
NCC Group plc

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage procurement for technology contracts and collaborate across teams to drive innovation.
  • Company: Join a leading cybersecurity firm with a focus on technology transformation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday, and wellness initiatives.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and community involvement.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of tech procurement and make a real impact in cybersecurity.
  • Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and knowledge of technology products.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.

As a Senior Buyer in Technology Procurement, you will be responsible for managing all NCC Group’s procurement responsibilities regarding the separation of the Escode business, as governed by the transitional service agreement. This will include the separation and novation of existing contracts into NCC Group and Escode contracts. You will be a vital part of the NCC Group Technology Procurement team as we mature the function, bring more spend under management and add value through effective procurement. This will involve building and maintaining stakeholder relationships, collaborating across functions, leading new sourcing activity and negotiating with new and existing suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

  • Deep Technical Category Expertise: apply in-depth understanding of technology and cybersecurity products, licensing models, and emerging tech trends.
  • Managing complex Technology contracts: Negotiate contracts with a focus on technology-specific clauses such as software licensing terms, cloud service level agreements (SLAs), data privacy, intellectual property rights, and cybersecurity compliance requirements.
  • Supplier Risk Management: Assess and manage supplier risks related to cybersecurity threats, data breaches, and compliance with industry regulations, working closely with Legal Counsel, Data Protection and other stakeholders.
  • Enabling technology transformation: Support procurement activities that enable the company’s technology transformation efforts, such as the use of AI and the integration of advanced cybersecurity tools.
  • Cross-functional collaboration: Work directly with technical teams to understand technical requirements and ensure sourcing decisions meet operational and security standards. Participate in sourcing and contract management for projects that involve highly sensitive data or critical infrastructure, ensuring strict adherence to confidentiality, compliance, and risk mitigation protocols.
  • Innovation and Market Intelligence: Continuously monitor emerging technology vendors, startups and market challengers, contributing to innovation and competitive advantage for the cybersecurity business.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

  • Experience in procurement or strategic sourcing across technology categories, ideally within a global cybersecurity or IT environment.
  • Strong understanding of software licensing, cloud services, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity products, SLAs, and compliance requirements.
  • Experience using procurement platforms such as SAP Ariba or Coupa, alongside Microsoft Office.
  • Strong written and verbal communication, negotiation, stakeholder management, and interpersonal skills.
  • Knowledge of data privacy, cybersecurity standards, and vendor risk management.
  • Professional certification such as CIPS, CPSM, or ISM is desirable, alongside experience negotiating complex technology contracts, using supplier and spend data, and working in fast-paced, matrixed, global environments on sensitive projects.
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent / equivalent experience in Business, Supply Chain, IT, Computer Science, or a related field.

Job Benefits

  • Flexible Working: Balance your work and personal life with our flexible working options.
  • Generous Holiday Allowance: Enjoy 25 days of holiday, plus bank holidays, with the option to buy up to 5 additional days of annual leave.
  • Medicash & Critical Illness Scheme Financial & Investment Benefits: Enjoy peace of mind with our Pension, Life Assurance, and Share Save Scheme.
  • Community & Volunteering Programmes: Make a difference in your community with our volunteering opportunities.
  • Green Car Scheme: Drive green and save money with our eco-friendly car scheme.
  • Cycle Scheme: Stay fit and healthy with our cycle-to-work scheme.
  • Special Time Off: Take time off for those big moments in life, like getting married/entering into a civil partnership, becoming a grandparent, and welcoming home a new pet.
  • Family Planning: Benefit from our generous maternity and paternity leave, as well as time off and support for those undergoing fertility treatments.

Senior Buyer - Technology Procurement in Manchester employer: NCC Group plc

NCC Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Manchester that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide flexible working options, generous holiday allowances, and comprehensive benefits, including a green car scheme and community volunteering programmes. Our commitment to professional growth ensures that as a Senior Buyer in Technology Procurement, you will have ample opportunities to develop your skills while contributing to meaningful projects in the cybersecurity sector.

NCC Group plc

Contact Details:

NCC Group plc Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer - Technology Procurement in Manchester

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech and procurement space. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its procurement processes. Understand their technology needs and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit!

Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Buyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build your confidence and refine your approach.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that Senior Buyer role!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer - Technology Procurement in Manchester

Technical Category Expertise
Contract Negotiation
Supplier Risk Management
Cybersecurity Compliance
Cross-functional Collaboration
Market Intelligence
Procurement Platforms (SAP Ariba, Coupa)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Buyer role. Highlight your experience in technology procurement and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about technology procurement and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a good story!

Showcase Your Technical Knowledge:Since this role requires deep technical expertise, don’t shy away from mentioning specific technologies or procurement platforms you’ve worked with. We’re keen to see your understanding of software licensing and cybersecurity products.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!

How to prepare for a job interview at NCC Group plc

Know Your Tech Inside Out

As a Senior Buyer in Technology Procurement, it's crucial to have a deep understanding of technology and cybersecurity products. Brush up on software licensing, cloud services, and emerging tech trends before your interview. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you answer questions confidently.

Master the Art of Negotiation

Negotiating contracts is a key part of this role, so be prepared to discuss your negotiation strategies. Think of examples where you've successfully negotiated complex technology contracts, focusing on specific clauses like SLAs and data privacy. Show them you can handle high-stakes discussions with ease.

Showcase Your Cross-Functional Collaboration Skills

This position requires working closely with technical teams and stakeholders. Be ready to share experiences where you've collaborated across functions to meet operational and security standards. Highlight how you’ve built relationships and communicated effectively to achieve common goals.

Stay Ahead of Market Trends

Innovation and market intelligence are vital for this role. Research current trends in technology procurement and be prepared to discuss how you keep up with emerging vendors and market challengers. This shows your proactive approach and commitment to adding value through effective procurement.