Project Purchasing Specialist in Derry, Londonderry
Project Purchasing Specialist

Project Purchasing Specialist in Derry, Londonderry

Derry +1 Full-Time 39205 - 41856 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
R

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead procurement for exciting conservation projects across Northern Ireland and the border counties.
  • Company: Join RSPB, a leading conservation organisation dedicated to protecting wildlife.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, life assurance, and 26 days of annual leave.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on iconic wildlife while working with diverse partners.
  • Qualifications: Strong procurement knowledge and excellent communication skills are essential.
  • Other info: Flexible location with opportunities for career growth until July 2029.

The predicted salary is between 39205 - 41856 £ per year.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Project Purchasing Specialist to join the PeacePlus Nature Programme. We are looking for a positive and highly organised individual who will build strong relationships within RSPB and with our project partners.

PeacePlus Nature is an ambitious €20.8 million programme that brings together partners to tackle the decline in priority species and habitats in Northern Ireland, and the border counties of Ireland. The partnership includes RSPB NI, BirdWatch Ireland, Butterfly Conservation, Monaghan County Council, River Blackwater Catchment Trust, Truagh Development Association, Lough Neagh Partnership, NI Water and An Taisce. The programme will work to restore blanket bog, lowland wet grassland, limestone grassland and priority species including Curlew, Corncrake, Hen harrier, Small Blue butterfly and Irish Damselfly. This is an incredible opportunity to work in a programme team to increase the populations of some of Ireland’s most iconic wildlife.

In this role you will support the PeacePlus Nature projects with their procurement needs.

Responsibilities:
  • Alongside the programme management team you will be responsible for leading, planning and delivering significant elements of procurement across the programme of conservation, science, data, ecology and local community objectives across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.
  • You will have strong links with the central procurement team with a dotted line to dedicated support and advice, and will provide purchasing support to your RSPB colleagues working on the programme while also building relationships with our project partners to assist them with any procurement relating to PeacePlus Nature.
  • Alongside the central procurement team, the successful candidate will develop the procurement strategy for the programme in line with internal procurement policy and funder guidelines.
  • You will carry out tendering exercises for this substantial programme and advise project teams on the funder requirements for eligible spend.
  • You will work closely with the finance team to ensure that all appropriate evidence is available for grant claims.
  • You will ensure compliance with relevant regulations, policies, and ethical standards.
Essential skills, knowledge and experience:
  • Member of, or CIPS qualification preferred (or working towards).
  • Strong knowledge of procurement processes, contracts, and tender management.
  • Excellent negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills.
  • High attention to detail and strong analytical abilities.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and procurement software.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
  • OJEU and Procurement Act 2023 experience.
Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:
  • Experience of working with grant giving and funding bodies.
  • Experience of public procurement.

This is a Fixed-Term role for 37.5 hours per week until 31st July 2029. The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

Closing date: 23:59, Sunday 15th February 2026. We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 27th February 2026.

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer.

This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

No agencies please.

Locations

Derry Londonderry

Project Purchasing Specialist in Derry, Londonderry employer: RSPB

Joining the RSPB as a Project Purchasing Specialist offers you the chance to contribute to meaningful conservation efforts in Northern Ireland, working within a collaborative and supportive environment. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including a pension scheme and generous annual leave, and the opportunity to engage with diverse partners on innovative projects, this role is perfect for those looking to make a real impact while growing their career in a purpose-driven organisation.
R

Contact Detail:

RSPB Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Project Purchasing Specialist in Derry, Londonderry

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who might have insights into the RSPB or similar organisations. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the PeacePlus Nature Programme and its partners. Knowing the ins and outs of their projects will show you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their mission.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! As a Project Purchasing Specialist, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills before the big day.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to the amazing work at RSPB.

We think you need these skills to ace Project Purchasing Specialist in Derry, Londonderry

Procurement Processes
Tender Management
Negotiation Skills
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Attention to Detail
Analytical Abilities
Microsoft Office Suite
Procurement Software
Project Management
OJEU Experience
Procurement Act 2023 Knowledge
Grant Management
Public Procurement Experience
CIPS Qualification (or working towards)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Purchasing Specialist role. Highlight relevant experience in procurement processes and any qualifications like CIPS. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!

Showcase Your Skills: In your application form, don’t just list your skills—show us how you've used them! Give examples of your negotiation and communication skills in action. We love seeing real-life applications of your abilities.

Be Detail-Oriented: Attention to detail is key in this role. Make sure your application is free from typos and errors. A polished application reflects your ability to manage multiple projects effectively, which is exactly what we need!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our team there.

How to prepare for a job interview at RSPB

✨Know Your Procurement Stuff

Make sure you brush up on procurement processes, contracts, and tender management. Familiarise yourself with OJEU and the Procurement Act 2023, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the position.

✨Show Off Your Communication Skills

Since this role involves building relationships with project partners and colleagues, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare examples of how you've successfully negotiated or communicated in past roles. This will demonstrate your interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively.

✨Get Organised with Examples

Think of specific instances where you've managed multiple projects or deadlines effectively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This will help you convey your experience in a clear and impactful way during the interview.

✨Research the PeacePlus Nature Programme

Dive into the details of the PeacePlus Nature Programme and its objectives. Understanding the programme's goals and the partners involved will allow you to tailor your answers and show genuine interest in contributing to their mission. It’s all about making that connection!

Project Purchasing Specialist in Derry, Londonderry
RSPB
Location: Derry

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

R
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>