At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and deliver procurement strategies for technology, managing contracts and supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a leading organisation with a focus on technology procurement and a supportive team culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working, continuous learning, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in technology transformation while driving operational resilience.
- Qualifications: Experience in technology procurement and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
A leading organisation is seeking a Senior Buyer to join their Group Business Services team, focusing on Technology procurement.
This pivotal role offers you the opportunity to shape and deliver procurement strategies that directly impact business objectives across multiple corporate service functions.
You will be at the heart of sourcing, contract management, and supplier optimisation for enterprise software, Saa S solutions, cloud services and technology platforms.
The organisation values flexibility, continuous learning, and a supportive team environment where your expertise will drive operational resilience and commercial value.
If you are passionate about delivering best practice procurement, fostering strong stakeholder relationships, and contributing to technology transformation programmes, this is your chance to make a meaningful difference in a dynamic setting.
- You will play a key role in developing and implementing procurement strategies that align with senior stakeholders and organisational goals, ensuring value for money and robust contract management.
- The position offers exposure to high-value frameworks and supplier contracts, with responsibility for both capital and operating expenditure across diverse technology categories.
- Enjoy a collaborative workplace culture that encourages knowledge sharing, personal development, and flexible working opportunities within an inclusive team environment.
What you'll do
As Senior Buyer - Technology Procurement, you will be responsible for shaping the future of technology sourcing within the organisation.
Your day-to-day activities will involve collaborating closely with stakeholders across multiple business areas to develop tailored procurement strategies that maximise value for money.
You will lead contract negotiations with suppliers of enterprise software, Saa S subscriptions, cloud services, technology platforms, and related professional services.
By benchmarking supply markets and identifying new opportunities for innovation or cost optimisation, you will ensure the organisation remains ahead of industry trends.
Your role also includes driving continuous improvement initiatives within supplier management processes while maintaining strict compliance with legislative requirements.
Success in this position means consistently delivering savings, enhancing operational resilience through robust supplier partnerships, supporting cross-team projects when needed, and championing best practice contract management throughout the group.
- Develop, manage, and implement procurement strategies for the Technology category that support business needs while aligning with organisational objectives, values, vision, and goals.
- Engage proactively with internal stakeholders at all levels including Director and Senior Leadership Team to ensure effective delivery of contractual activity across the corporate services functions.
- Drive best practice contract management by optimising third-party technology contracts and suppliers covering enterprise software, Saa S solutions, cloud services, technology platforms, and professional services.
- Lead competitive tendering processes to secure high-quality suppliers through robust selection criteria and commercial negotiation techniques.
- Monitor supply markets to identify new suppliers and products; benchmark performance to ensure ongoing value realisation from technology investments.
- Promote continuous performance improvement with suppliers and internally so that Procurement & Contracts is recognised as a high-performing service function.
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation such as the Procurement Act 2023 as well as internal policies and procedures throughout all procurement activities.
- Track savings and qualitative improvements following implementation of category strategies; drive cost effectiveness, quality enhancement, efficiency gains, and year-on-year savings.
- Support other Procurement Category teams as required potentially dedicating up to half your time to cross-functional collaboration within the wider procurement community.
- Manage supplier relationships through SLA/KPI performance monitoring; resolve disputes effectively while mitigating commercial risks.
What you bring
Your proven track record in technology procurement will enable you to excel as Senior Buyer - Technology Procurement.
You bring deep expertise in managing complex contracts across enterprise software, Saa S solutions, cloud services, and technology platforms.
Your familiarity with EU procurement methodologies ensures compliance at every stage of the process while your commercial acumen drives value realisation from strategic investments.
You possess exceptional interpersonal skills building trust-based relationships with stakeholders ranging from front-line leaders to senior executives and thrive in environments where collaboration is key.
Your leadership qualities allow you not only to coach peers but also foster knowledge sharing within the wider buyer community.
With a degree-level qualification (or equivalent) plus MCIPS credentials (or progress towards them), you are committed to ongoing professional development.
Your dedication extends beyond individual achievement: you actively support cross-functional teams on communal projects while maintaining rigorous safety standards throughout your work.
- Demonstrable depth of procurement experience specifically covering Technology category or sub-category areas in a category- and contract-managed environment.
- Comprehensive understanding of EU procurement methodologies alongside practical application of Procurement Act 2023 legislation within various contracting models.
- Proven ability to manage complex contracts including dispute resolution; experience working with suppliers through SLA/KPI performance frameworks.
- Excellent networking skills combined with strong stakeholder engagement capabilities at all organisational levels from front-line leaders to senior executives.
- Commercial acumen paired with proactive approach to identifying cost-saving opportunities; adept at tracking benefits from implemented strategies.
- Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience; MCIPS certification or actively working towards MCIPS is highly desirable.
Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates
IT Procurement Lead in Manchester employer: Robert Walters Careers
Join a leading organisation in Walsall that values its employees and fosters a collaborative work culture. As a Group Financial Controller, you will benefit from competitive salary packages, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a significant impact on the company's financial strategy. With a commitment to compliance and efficiency, this role offers a rewarding environment where your expertise will be recognised and appreciated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Procurement Lead in Manchester
✨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 Robert Walters Careers.
✨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 IT Procurement Lead in Manchester
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 Robert Walters Careers:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Robert Walters Careers. 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 Robert Walters Careers.
How to prepare for a job interview at Robert Walters Careers
✨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 Robert Walters Careers!
✨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 Robert Walters Careers. 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 Robert Walters Careers's culture.
