At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to enhance procurement processes using AI and automation tools.
- Company: Be part of a leading FTSE 100 organisation with global operations in life-critical industries.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, pension, private medical, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Drive innovation in procurement while collaborating globally and developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or supply chain, with a passion for AI and automation.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression into senior roles and global exposure.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Procurement Head's industrial team are delighted to be recruiting for this very exciting, career advancing opportunity! A leading FTSE 100 organisation is seeking a forward-thinking Strategic Buyer to join its group procurement function. With operations spanning over 30 companies worldwide in high-impact, life-critical industries, this role offers the opportunity to drive change and innovation in a truly global setting.
We're looking for a candidate who combines procurement knowledge (either across direct or indirect) with a strong interest in process automation, AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, and data-driven optimisation. Central London (Hybrid) | Occasional travel to Buckinghamshire & global locations.
The Opportunity: This role sits at the heart of the group procurement team offering procurement assistance to a network of its global companies. Reporting into the Head of Procurement, you will have the opportunity to support a vast array of stakeholders with their direct and indirect procurement and sourcing. This is an exceptional opportunity to build on your pre-existing procurement, stakeholder and supplier skills by supporting on large-scale global tenders. Using your interest and experience in AI and automation, you will also have the opportunity to shape the processes within group procurement. You’ll play a key role in modernising procurement processes—automating manual workflows and embedding intelligent tools to streamline operations and deliver measurable value.
What You’ll Do:
- Automation-Led Transformation: Design and implement enhanced procurement processes using tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Power Automate, and Excel automation.
- Process Ownership: Lead improvements in purchase order creation, invoice matching, and reporting—leveraging your technical and analytical expertise.
- Strategic Sourcing Support: Contribute to complex, high-value sourcing initiatives that span multiple business units and geographies.
- AI Integration: Identify, evaluate, and implement AI-driven tools and automation platforms that improve procurement efficiency and scalability.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal businesses across the UK and globally—driving adoption of best practices through influence and credibility.
The ideal candidate for this strategic Buyer role:
- Highly confident with AI tools and Excel.
- Passion for digitally transforming procurement and reducing manual, repetitive tasks.
- Analytical, systems-oriented mindset, with experience driving efficiency through automation.
- Experience in procurement, supply chain, or commercial operations.
- Are a self-starter who thrives on autonomy and collaboration in equal measure.
What’s on Offer:
- Salary of up to £50,000.
- Bonus up to 15%.
- Pension up to 10%.
- Private medical.
Career Development: Opportunities for progression into senior procurement, category leadership, or operational roles across the Group.
Global Exposure: Interact with stakeholders and suppliers around the world—developing a truly international perspective.
Hybrid Working: Primarily based in London, with project-driven travel to other UK sites and countries.
Contact Detail:
Procurement Heads Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest AI tools and automation platforms relevant to procurement, such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. Being able to discuss how you've used these tools in past roles or projects will demonstrate your proactive approach to modernising procurement processes.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement field, especially those who have experience in strategic buying or automation. Engaging in conversations about industry trends can provide you with insights that will be valuable during interviews and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your analytical skills by thinking of specific examples where you've improved efficiency through automation or data-driven decision-making. This will highlight your ability to contribute to the role's focus on process optimisation.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s global operations and understand their procurement challenges. Tailoring your discussions around how you can address these challenges will show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant procurement experience, especially in automation and AI tools. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in these areas to align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for digital transformation in procurement. Mention how your analytical mindset and experience can contribute to the company's goals, particularly in automating processes and improving efficiency.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your proficiency with AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. Provide concrete examples of how you've used these tools in past roles to drive change or improve processes.
Highlight Stakeholder Engagement: Discuss your experience in collaborating with various stakeholders. Illustrate how you’ve influenced best practices and driven adoption of new processes in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Strategic Buyer position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Procurement Heads
✨Showcase Your Procurement Knowledge
Make sure to highlight your experience in procurement, whether it's direct or indirect. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed sourcing initiatives and improved processes in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your AI and Automation Skills
Since the role emphasises the use of AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, come ready to discuss how you've used these technologies in your past work. Share any projects where you implemented automation to enhance efficiency.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This position requires strong stakeholder engagement skills. Prepare to talk about how you've collaborated with various teams and influenced best practices in your previous roles. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to build relationships.
✨Exhibit Your Analytical Mindset
The ideal candidate should have an analytical, systems-oriented mindset. Be ready to discuss how you've used data-driven decision-making in procurement processes and how you've approached problem-solving in complex situations.