Buyer in Hook

Job Title: Buyer

Location: Hybrid - attached to Solihull, Hook or London
Contract: Full time - Permanent

About the role

We're looking for a motivated and commercially minded Buyer to join our Procurement team and play an important role in delivering effective sourcing and procurement solutions across Serco.This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their career in Procurement, gaining hands-on experience across the full sourcing and contract lifecycle.

You'll work closely with Category Managers, Senior Buyers, Procurement Business Partners and stakeholders across the business to deliver sourcing activity, identify opportunities to improve value and ensure we make effective use of our supplier base.

You'll have the opportunity to take ownership of your own tactical procurement projects, while also supporting larger and more complex sourcing initiatives alongside experienced procurement professionals.

What you'll be doing

You'll support the delivery of procurement projects from initial requirements through to sourcing, negotiation, contract award and implementation.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing tactical procurement projects, ensuring sourcing activity is delivered in line with Procurement processes, governance and requirements.

• Supporting Category Managers and Senior Buyers on larger and more complex procurement projects.

• Working with stakeholders to understand business requirements and develop appropriate procurement strategies.

• Conducting market analysis and identifying potential suppliers, ensuring appropriate qualification and due diligence.

• Developing and managing RFx documentation and evaluation models and supporting the end-to-end RFx process.

• Working with suppliers throughout sourcing events, managing queries, submissions, evaluation and shortlisting.

• Supporting negotiations with suppliers to achieve the best possible commercial outcomes.

• Supporting contract development, approval and signature in line with Serco's procurement governance and delegated authorities.

• Working with Procurement colleagues to ensure supplier, contract and catalogue information is accurate and maintained.

• Identifying opportunities to improve processes, increase value and drive greater use of preferred suppliers.

What you'll bring

This role would suit someone who is enthusiastic about Procurement, commercially curious and keen to build their experience within a complex organisation.

You'll bring

• A degree, preferably in Business or a related subject, or CIPS qualification / progress towards CIPS.

• A working understanding of sourcing and contract lifecycle management.

• Experience using eSourcing platforms to run or support sourcing events.

• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver quality work to tight deadlines.

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to work accurately across multiple procurement activities.

• Good communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to work collaboratively across different teams.

• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new systems and tools quickly.

Why join us?

Procurement plays a critical role in helping Serco manage its third-party spend, strengthen supplier relationships, manage risk and deliver better value for the business.

As a Buyer, you'll gain broad exposure to the procurement lifecycle and work alongside experienced colleagues across a range of categories and projects. You'll have the opportunity to develop your commercial capability, build your stakeholder network and take increasing ownership of procurement activity as your experience grows.

If you're looking to take the next step in your Procurement career and want the opportunity to make a tangible impact across Serco, we'd love to hear from you.