At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement for technology contracts and collaborate on innovative projects.
- Company: Join a leading cybersecurity firm with a focus on technology transformation.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous holiday allowance, and wellness initiatives.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced, supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving technology innovation and cybersecurity solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong understanding of technology and cybersecurity products.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ 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
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, ensuring our team members thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a high-performance culture that values growth, community engagement, and the opportunity to make a significant impact in the technology procurement landscape.
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
Show off your expertise! Prepare to discuss your experience with technology procurement and contract negotiation in detail. Use specific examples that highlight your skills in managing complex contracts and supplier relationships.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your understanding of cybersecurity products and how you’ve successfully navigated procurement challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Make sure your application reflects your passion for technology procurement and how you can contribute to our team at NCC Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer - Technology Procurement in Manchester
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, so we get a sense of who you are.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills:Since negotiation is key for this role, be sure to include examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. We love seeing how you've navigated complex contracts and built strong supplier relationships.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at NCC Group
✨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 help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Negotiation skills are key for this role, especially when dealing with complex contracts. Prepare by reviewing common negotiation tactics and think about how you can apply them to technology-specific clauses. Be ready to discuss past experiences where you've successfully negotiated terms that benefited your organisation.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Building and maintaining relationships is vital in this position. Think of examples where you've collaborated across functions or managed stakeholder expectations effectively. Be prepared to share how you approach communication and relationship-building in a procurement context.
✨Stay Ahead of Market Trends
Innovation and market intelligence are part of the job. Research current trends in technology procurement and be ready to discuss how they could impact NCC Group. Showing that you're proactive about monitoring emerging vendors and market challengers will set you apart from other candidates.