Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement objectives and build strong relationships with stakeholders.
- Company: Join Orbit, a leading UK housing group dedicated to affordable living.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, professional development, and wellbeing programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in communities while growing your career in a values-driven environment.
- Qualifications: CIPS level 4 or 5, negotiation skills, and procurement experience required.
- Other info: Roles may require a DBS check for safeguarding purposes.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We're building thriving communities as one of the UK's largest housing groups and a leading developer of affordable housing. We believe everyone is entitled to a good home they can afford, in a place they are proud to live. More than 100,000 people live in our homes. If you want to experience work that's truly rewarding, join us. Because when we achieve together, customers and communities thrive. Work for Orbit. Believe in people.
The purpose of procurement is to obtain competitive prices for supplies, delivering the most value for money for the organisation throughout the procurement lifecycle. This must be done within the applicable legislative framework. To operate as a dedicated business partner to designated business units. This places the business partner as an interface between procurement and the wider business. The business partner role works closely with internal stakeholders to bring together purchasing needs, influence behaviours and deliver value to the enterprise. The business partner is recognised as a source of procurement expertise and acts as a change agent in implementing new commercial models and processes. This role will be within our Capital team where categories include planned investment works, repairs and maintenance to our homes and the equipment within them, and compliance. This role is part of Finance where you'll help us to invest more back into communities and design for strength.
What you'll achieve:
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders to support delivery of Procurement objectives and Orbit's 2030 Strategy.
- Liaise closely with business units in determining their priorities, requirements, and challenges.
- Support procurement team in defining and contextualising strategic and category strategies as they apply to business units.
- Work with procurement leadership teams to identify and execute on process improvements, as well as measuring performance.
- Monitor adherence to purchasing policies and procedures to ensure purchasing standards are upheld.
- Lead on tendering and reviewing existing suppliers.
- Align with risk and financial teams to ensure agreed processes are being followed.
- Identify and support the mitigation of supply assurance issues and risks as they apply to business units.
- Coordinate relevant data management activities, defining and implementing stewardship strategies with stakeholders such as internal data teams, finance, and IT.
What you'll bring:
Essential skills:
- CIPS level 4 or 5 working towards next level or equivalent.
- Understanding of Public Procurement policy.
- Good negotiation skills and very confident in dealing with suppliers and customers.
- Procurement experience to a similar level.
- Fosters a healthy team culture and inspires and motivates colleagues to achieve high performance.
Desirable skills:
- Experience of operating in a Social Housing environment, ideally within outsourced property operations' supply chain.
- Experience of Construction Category.
- Lean practitioner/ Six Sigma or similar.
Why Orbit?
Choosing us means being rewarded in every sense. Here's what you can expect to enjoy with us:
- A rewarding experience that works for you: We strive to create an inclusive experience with benefits and wellbeing programmes designed to help you, and your loved ones, to thrive. For a better work-life balance, we offer flexible working opportunities for many roles.
- A place to progress: From training programmes to professional qualifications, we provide opportunities to learn and develop at every stage of your career. Whether you're a student, graduate, or experienced professional we'll support you to grow. For leaders, our tailored development journeys are designed to stretch and strengthen your leadership skills. As well as practical training, we give you access to renowned business schools and experiential programmes for greater breadth and depth of learning.
- A purpose to feel proud of: We're proud to make a difference to people together. We're values-driven with a commercial focus on performance - because the more profit we make, the more we can achieve for people. What brings us together is a passionate belief in progress and people.
How we hire:
We aim to make our hiring process simple and fair: Online application, Interview(s), Decision and offer. We put the safeguarding of our customers, colleagues, and contractors at the heart of everything we do and as such, certain roles will be subject to a DBS check.
Procurement Business Partner employer: Orbit Group
Contact Detail:
Orbit Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Orbit's 2030 Strategy and how procurement plays a role in achieving those goals. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the company's vision during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees in similar roles to gain insights into the company culture and expectations. This can provide you with valuable information that can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholder relationships in previous roles. Being able to showcase your negotiation skills and ability to influence behaviours will be crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on public procurement policies and any recent changes in legislation. Showing that you're knowledgeable about the legal framework surrounding procurement will highlight your expertise and commitment to compliance.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Procurement Business Partner position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, such as procurement experience and negotiation skills, to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your relevant procurement experience, especially in a social housing environment or construction category. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and contributed to procurement objectives.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to highlight essential skills like CIPS qualifications, understanding of public procurement policy, and your ability to foster a healthy team culture. Provide concrete examples of how you've inspired colleagues or improved processes in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a tailored cover letter that connects your personal values with Orbit's mission. Discuss why you believe in their purpose and how your background aligns with their goals, particularly in investing back into communities and supporting their 2030 Strategy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Orbit Group
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Procurement Business Partner role and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with how procurement fits into the wider business strategy, especially in relation to Orbit's 2030 Strategy.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your negotiation skills and experience dealing with suppliers and customers. Be ready to discuss specific situations where you successfully influenced outcomes or resolved conflicts.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you have experience in social housing or construction categories, make sure to highlight this during the interview. Discuss how your background can contribute to the objectives of the procurement team and the organisation as a whole.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building
Since the role involves establishing strong relationships with stakeholders, be prepared to talk about your approach to building and maintaining these relationships. Share examples of how you've collaborated with different teams to achieve common goals.
