At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive strategic sourcing for marketing tech solutions and lead commercial tenders.
- Company: Join Sainsbury's, a fast-paced FTSE business making a real impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, flexible working, performance bonuses, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team where your ideas matter and you can see your impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or relevant commercial roles with strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Opportunities for career development and a commitment to inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Salary: Competitive Plus Benefits
Location: London Store Support Centre and Home, London, EC1M 6HA
Contract type: Fixed-Term Assignment
Business area: Finance & Business Development
Closing date: 08 July 2025
Requisition ID: 400003369
We’d all like amazing work to do, and real work-life balance. That’s waiting for you at Sainsbury’s. For a FTSE business, we move incredibly fast. When we’re not handling projects, we’re helping all corners of the wider group with what they’re trying to achieve. And around here, you can see the results of your work as soon as you walk into a store, which gives you a real sense of purpose and responsibility. Better still, the team around you will listen to your ideas and opinions, and you’ll have every chance to try something new. The sheer scale and complexity of our set-up means there’s always something else around the corner, and we’ll help and support you every step of the way. We’re trusted to get on with it. So get ready to make things happen here.
At Sainsbury's, our procurement teams play a vital role in driving efficiency, building strong supplier relationships, and transforming the way we do business. Joining us as a Procurement Buyer means being part of a dynamic and cost-conscious culture, where you will have the opportunity to contribute to the development and execution of commercial sourcing strategies that deliver value for money to Sainsbury's Group. You will lead multiple commercial tenders and negotiations, working collaboratively with cross-functional teams. As part of our organisation, you will have the opportunity to make a real impact and be at the forefront of change, while enjoying competitive benefits, career development opportunities, and a work-life balance that allows you to thrive both personally and professionally.
Location SSC Location (London, Coventry or Manchester) and Home
What You'll Do
- You’ll help drive the strategic sourcing and procurement of marketing technology solutions that support Sainsbury’s customer and brand ambitions.
- Working closely with the Technology, Marketing and Digital teams, you'll source innovative products and services—like CRM platforms, ad tech, analytics, and content systems—that enhance customer engagement, optimise campaign performance, and align with our ‘Plan for Better’ sustainability goals.
- You will lead multiple commercial tenders and negotiations across MarTech categories, ensuring all procurement activity is delivered in line with Sainsbury’s Procurement Policy.
- You’ll also contribute to the design of category strategies, conduct supplier evaluations, and provide insight-driven analysis to inform decision-making.
Who You Are
- You are an experienced professional in procurement or relevant commercial experience, driven by commercial acumen and a desire to build a successful career in procurement, with a strong interest in marketing and technology.
- You possess a strong understanding of procurement principles and techniques, including leading strategic sourcing activities, having worked in a commercial environment and managed suppliers and stakeholders.
- Your excellent communication skills and ability to work as part of a cross-functional team allow you to effectively influence others and drive business change.
- You're confident running complex tenders and negotiating commercial terms, particularly with digital platforms and SaaS providers.
- Your attention to detail, basic legal knowledge, and adherence to procurement policies ensure that all commercial activities are completed in line with Sainsbury's standards.
- You have experience negotiating with third parties with a level of knowledge on contract law.
- Resilient and adaptable, supporting Sainsbury's to adapt during times of change within a dynamic, exciting and fast-paced environment.
- Whilst a level of procurement technology and/or marketing procurement technology background would be desirable, it is certainly not essential.
How I Will Succeed
- Take ownership for your sourcing activity, becoming a trusted source of insight and solutions.
- Being persistently curious to understand key cost drivers within your category and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Deliver value beyond just the numbers by making the most of your supplier and stakeholder relationships.
- Confidently and independently lead difficult conversations and negotiations with senior internal and external contacts.
- Balance the needs of your stakeholders, the business, customers and colleagues in all of your decisions.
- Quantify and evaluate the cost/benefit of different options in order to optimise sourcing outcomes for Sainsbury’s Group.
- Within business governance framework, deliver business as usual activity such as supplier appraisal and selection, contract terms, negotiations and supplier management.
- Always act with integrity, living the Sainsbury’s values every day.
What Decisions I Can Make
- Managing Marketing Technology suppliers end to end & leading high-profile strategic sourcing activity.
Resources available to me: Procurement Manager, Head of Procurement and Supplier Management.
We are committed to being a truly inclusive retailer, so you’ll be welcomed whoever you are and wherever you work. Around here, there’s always the chance to try something new - whether that’s as part of an evolving team or somewhere else across the business - and we take development seriously and promise to support you. We also recognise and celebrate colleagues when they go the extra mile and, where possible, offer flexible working.
When you join our team, we’ll also offer you an amazing range of benefits. Here are some of them:
- Starting off with colleague discount, you'll be able to get 10% off at Sainsbury's, Argos, TU and Habitat after 4 weeks. This increases to 15% off at Sainsbury’s every Friday and Saturday and 15% off at Argos every pay day.
- We’ve also got you covered for your future with our pensions scheme and life cover.
- You’ll also be able to share in our success as you may be eligible for a performance-related bonus of up to 10% of salary, depending on how we perform.
- Your wellbeing is important to us too. You’ll receive an annual holiday allowance, and you can buy additional holiday.
- We also offer other benefits that will help your money go further such as season ticket loans, cycle to work scheme, health cash plans, pay advance (where you can access some of your pay before pay day) as well access to a great range of discounts from hundreds of other retailers.
- And if you ever need it there is also an employee assistance programme.
- Moments that matter are as important to us as they are to you which is why we give up to 26 weeks’ pay for maternity or adoption leave and up to 4 weeks’ pay for paternity leave.
Please see www.sainsburys.jobs for a range of our benefits (note, length of service and eligibility criteria may apply).
Buyer - Tech & Marketing employer: Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd
Contact Detail:
Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer - Tech & Marketing
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Sainsbury's procurement policies and practices. Understanding their approach to strategic sourcing and supplier management will help you align your experience with their expectations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement and marketing technology sectors. Engaging with industry peers can provide insights into current trends and challenges, which you can discuss during your interview to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your negotiation skills by reviewing case studies or examples from your past experiences. Being able to articulate how you've successfully led complex tenders or negotiations will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest marketing technology solutions and trends. Showing that you are knowledgeable about CRM platforms, ad tech, and analytics will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the value you can bring to Sainsbury's.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer - Tech & Marketing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement, marketing technology, and commercial negotiations. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you meet the specific requirements of the Buyer position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and Sainsbury's values. Discuss how your skills and experiences align with their needs, particularly in strategic sourcing and supplier management.
Showcase Relevant Achievements: Include specific examples of past successes in procurement or related fields. Quantify your achievements where possible, such as cost savings or successful negotiations, to illustrate your impact.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the Buyer role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd
✨Understand the Role
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Buyer in Tech & Marketing. Familiarise yourself with procurement principles and how they apply to marketing technology solutions. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your knowledge.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous procurement experience, especially any work related to marketing technology or digital platforms. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led tenders or negotiations, as this will show your capability in handling complex sourcing activities.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since the role requires excellent communication skills, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to explain how you've influenced stakeholders in the past and how you can effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams at Sainsbury's.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about Sainsbury's procurement strategies, team dynamics, or future projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.