At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement activities and lead projects to source goods and services.
- Company: Join a Midlands-based NHS client with a commitment to inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, flexible working, and potential study support.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Take the next step in your procurement career while making a difference in the public sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 32073 - 39043 £ per year.
Salary: £32,073 - £39,043 per annum
Location: Hybrid/Staffordshire (2 days per week on site)
Contract: Permanent
Overview of the Buyer role:
Sellick Partnership is delighted to be working with a Midlands-based NHS client in their search for a band 5 Buyer on a permanent basis. This is an excellent opportunity for candidates with procurement/buying experience in the NHS or wider public sector, to take the next step in their procurement career journey.
Key responsibilities of the Buyer will include:
- Manage end-to-end procurement activities
- Source goods and services in line with procurement regulations
- Lead and support procurement projects, including tendering, supplier negotiations, and contract implementation
- Analyse spend data to identify cost-saving opportunities, contract improvements, and strategic sourcing initiatives
- Manage an allocated procurement portfolio, developing contracts and supplier strategies
- Evaluate supplier performance, ensure contract compliance, and implement corrective actions where required
- Coordinate purchasing schedules, deliveries, logistics, and contract renewals
- Conduct tender evaluations and recommend the most appropriate procurement routes for high-value contracts
- Advise stakeholders and budget holders on procurement processes, costs, and purchasing strategies
- Produce procurement reports, spend analysis, savings reports, and management information
- Ensure compliance with procurement legislation, governance requirements, financial regulations, and organisational policies
- Support capital procurement projects and whole-life costing evaluations
- Build effective relationships with internal stakeholders, collaborative procurement partners, and suppliers
- Contribute to strategic sourcing, supplier engagement, standardisation, and sustainability initiatives
- Maintain procurement systems, supplier databases, spend profiles, and contract records
- Provide guidance on procurement best practice, contract management, and purchasing compliance
- Support departmental objectives, continuous improvement initiatives, and procurement strategy delivery
Required experience/qualifications of the Buyer position:
- Experience of working in a Procurement/Purchasing position in the NHS or wider public sector
- CIPS level 3 or working towards
- Contract negotiation skills
- Strong communicator - written and verbal
Benefits:
- 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising with longevity
- NHS pension scheme
- Flexible working
- Potential for study support (CIPS) once established in the role
How to apply for the Buyer position:
If you believe you have the required experience and qualifications outlined above for the Buyer opportunity, please apply within. Alternatively, if you would like a confidential chat about the role or organisation, please contact Kathryn Evans in the Sellick Partnership office to find out more.
Sellick Partnership is proud to be an inclusive and accessible recruitment business and we support applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances.
Please note, our advertisements use years' experience, hourly rates, and salary levels purely as a guide and we assess applications based on the experience and skills evidenced on the CV.
For information on how your personal details may be used by Sellick Partnership, please review our data processing notice on our website.
Buyer in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Sellick Partnership Careers
As a Finance Business Partner with our public sector organisation, you will thrive in a supportive and inclusive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth. Enjoy the benefits of hybrid working, high-profile stakeholder engagement, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on strategic decision-making within a varied and rewarding environment. Join us to enhance your career while contributing to the improvement of financial management and organisational performance.
Contact Details:
Sellick Partnership Careers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Stoke-on-Trent
✨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 Sellick Partnership 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 Buyer in Stoke-on-Trent
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 Sellick Partnership Careers:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Sellick Partnership 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 Sellick Partnership Careers.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sellick Partnership 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 Sellick Partnership 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 Sellick Partnership 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 Sellick Partnership Careers's culture.
