At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing and negotiation for non-production goods across EMEA.
- Company: Join Protolabs, a leader in digital manufacturing with a diverse and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy growth opportunities, extensive training, and employee wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible work environment with a focus on personal development and team collaboration.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic role while collaborating with creative thinkers.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement with strong negotiation and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Be yourself at Protolabs. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to building a diverse team that feels they are valued in the workplace. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single requirement.
Why Protolabs? We are the leaders in digital manufacturing. We hire doers, makers, and creative thinkers who tackle our roles with an entrepreneurial spirit. Our culture is centered around meaningful work that brings new and innovative products to market at unprecedented speeds. We take pride in our diverse team who is smart, genuine, humble, and passionate about what we do.
The Sr. Indirect Buyer is responsible for leading the sourcing, negotiation, and management of non-production goods and services across the EMEA region. This role focuses on supplier strategy, contract governance, cost optimization, and risk mitigation, while operating with a high level of independence and aligning to global procurement standards.
What You'll Do:
- Lead sourcing activities across indirect categories including software, professional services, facilities, and non-production spend.
- Own and lead supplier negotiations and contract discussions, balancing cost, risk, and service outcomes.
- Develop supplier strategies aligned to business needs and regional market conditions.
- Partner with stakeholders across EMEA to translate business requirements into sourcing strategies.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with both suppliers and internal and external stakeholders to ensure procurement strategies meet operational and strategic needs.
- Ensure compliance with procurement policies, contract governance, and financial controls.
- Manage end-to-end procurement lifecycle from intake through supplier performance management.
- Act as the primary EMEA contact for indirect procurement, aligning regional execution with global standards.
- Identify and drive process improvements toward scalable global procurement practices.
- Collaborate across teams to optimise category strategies, share insights, and drive continuous improvement.
- Perform additional tasks as assigned.
What It Takes:
- 5+ years of procurement or sourcing experience (indirect preferred).
- Experience working across regions or global teams preferred.
- In-depth knowledge and experience in managing categories, including risk and opportunity management, to deliver value and ensure effective sourcing strategies.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to manage and execute projects.
- Demonstrated ability to identify and implement new opportunities for process improvement, problem-solving, and collaboration—ideally within a procurement or similar environment.
What's In It For You:
- Growth-oriented company with a focus on your development journey through regular feedback and discussions.
- Open and welcoming corporate culture globally.
- Extensive e-learning platform with 300+ training courses and on-site sessions, including internal leadership training.
- Onsite car parking, bicycle storage, and convenient public transport links.
- Newly built canteen with free hot drinks.
- Employee Discount scheme with savings across thousands of UK retailers.
- Employee wellbeing culture with mental health support, wellbeing portal, and psychologist assistance.
- Monetary-based Reward Schemes for recognition, referrals, anniversaries, and life events.
- 37.5 hours per week, permanent contract with regular breaks.
- 25 days holiday entitlement plus Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service.
- Life insurance policy for eligible employees – 4 x base salary.
What to expect in the hiring process:
- Alignment call.
- Kick-off with an initial screening with one Talent Acquisition Partner, not really an interview, but the chance to learn more about how we do things, our process and a chance for you to ask all the things you want to know.
- Interview: A deeper dive into the role, what we're looking for, the hiring manager and you to get to know one another.
- Further interviews: We always try to streamline our recruitment process as much as possible but may sometimes need to carry out further interviews. This may be to meet other members of the team or more senior employees. It may also be an opportunity to see the site or working area.
Senior Indirect Buyer in Telford employer: Protolabs
Protolabs is an exceptional employer that champions diversity and inclusion, fostering a culture where every team member feels valued and empowered. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer extensive training opportunities and a supportive work environment that encourages creativity and innovation. Located in the EMEA region, our modern facilities provide convenient amenities and a commitment to employee wellbeing, making Protolabs a fantastic place to grow your career as a Senior Indirect Buyer.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Indirect Buyer in Telford
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Protolabs.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Indirect Buyer in Telford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Protolabs:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Protolabs. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Protolabs.
How to prepare for a job interview at Protolabs
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Protolabs!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Protolabs. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Protolabs's culture.
