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- Tasks: Join our team as an IT Buyer, sourcing and negotiating tech products for a leading energy company.
- Company: Northern Powergrid powers 8 million customers, driving innovation in the energy sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a 10% performance bonus, and agile working options.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team shaping a sustainable future with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: A-Levels or equivalent, MCIPS accreditation preferred, and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment await you.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 48000 £ per year.
Job Description
IS Senior Buyer
Reference: R6642
Location: Sunderland
An exciting opportunity has arisen for enthusiastic IT Buyer to join our Commercial team. The energy industry is advancing with investment in smart technology innovation and Northern Powergrid, as the company responsible for powering everyday life for 8 million customers across 3.9 million homes and businesses in the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, is at the forefront of delivering a power network that meets the region’s needs now and in the future.
We are a diverse team, creating a smarter, more flexible electricity distribution network that will enable our region to decarbonise and meet the needs of our customers now, and in the future.
Along with a competitive salary of between £38,000 and £48,000 we also offer great benefits such as;
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- 10% performance bonus
- Agile working
- Enrolment into our double matched pension scheme
- Opportunities for further professional development, e.g CIPS
The IT Buyer is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing technology related products and services for the organisation. This role ensures that the company obtains the best possible value for its technology investments while maintaining high standards of quality and compliance with company policies and industry legislation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Generate a sourcing model and strategy for each tender
- Manage the supplier pre-qualification process
- Work with the business to generate the invitation to tender documents, including scope, specification and terms and conditions of contract
- Evaluate responses to the pre-qualification questionnaire and invitation to tender submissions
- Lead on tender clarification meetings and question responses
- Assess the value and affordability of tender submissions
- Prepare an award proposal based on the outcome of the tender process
- Work with the supplier and the business to award and execute tendered contracts
- Support in development and share knowledge with more junior members of the team
Key Competencies:
- Advanced commercial acumen
- Advanced data management skills
- Customer service skills
- Ability to work at all levels of the business
- Ability to manage a number of stakeholders as part of the tender process
- Ability to manage a portfolio of multi million-pound IT contracts
- Experience and knowledge of relevant terms and conditions
- Experience managing the full procurement process from strategy development, prequalification, through to tender evaluation and negotiation to Contract Award.
- Knowledge of IT products, services, and market trends.
Essential Qualifications and Experience:
- Educated to A-Level standard or equivalent, including relevant commercial apprenticeships
- MCIPS accreditation or equivalent experience
- Full UK driving licence
- Experience managing projects within agreed timescales
- Strong negotiation experience
- Understanding of relevant terms and conditions and general contract law
- Experience working with Microsoft Office products
Desirable Qualifications and Experience:
- Educated to degree level in relevant subject
- Experience with IT sourcing
- Experience in Regulated Procurement
- Experience in Utilities or relevant industry procurement
- Experience procuring services relating to operations, engineering and maintenance activities
Visit northernpowergrid.com/careers to find out more about this and other career opportunities.
Posted: 24/07/2025
Closing date for applications: 01/08/2025
Applicants are considered on the basis of their suitability for the post irrespective of sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender re-assignment, race, age or disability, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
Information Technology Buyer employer: Northern Powergrid
Contact Detail:
Northern Powergrid Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Information Technology Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in IT procurement and technology products. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a rapidly evolving field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the energy and IT sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even refer you to opportunities within their organisations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview scenarios by practising your negotiation skills. Since this role requires strong negotiation experience, being able to articulate your approach and past successes will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Northern Powergrid's current projects and initiatives. Understanding their goals and challenges will allow you to tailor your responses in interviews, showing that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Information Technology Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and competencies required for the IT Buyer position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with these requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in procurement, particularly in IT sourcing and contract management. Use specific examples to demonstrate your negotiation skills and ability to manage multi-million-pound contracts.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Make sure to mention your educational background, especially if you have MCIPS accreditation or equivalent experience. If you have any relevant certifications or training, include those as well to strengthen your application.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a tailored cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention how your skills can contribute to Northern Powergrid's goals in advancing smart technology innovation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern Powergrid
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an IT Buyer. Familiarise yourself with sourcing models, tender processes, and contract management. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your knowledge.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've successfully led. Highlight your strategies and the outcomes. This is crucial as negotiation is a key part of the role, and demonstrating your experience will set you apart.
✨Research the Company
Learn about Northern Powergrid's mission, values, and recent projects. Understanding their focus on smart technology and decarbonisation will allow you to tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Be ready to discuss how you've managed multiple stakeholders in previous roles. Provide specific examples of how you navigated differing priorities and ensured successful outcomes, as this is essential for the tender process.
