Buyer in London

Buyer in London

London Full-Time 54000 - 66000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage procurement projects and collaborate with teams to improve sourcing strategies.
  • Company: Join Serco, a leader in procurement solutions with a dynamic team.
  • Benefits: Hybrid work, career development, and exposure to diverse procurement projects.
  • Other info: Great opportunity for career growth and networking within a complex organisation.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Business or related field, or progress towards CIPS qualification.

The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.

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 e Sourcing 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.

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Buyer in London employer: Serco Limited

Serco Limited is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values integrity and teamwork within the challenging environment of HMP Fosse Way. Employees benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring personal and professional growth while contributing to meaningful outcomes in justice and offender support. With a commitment to employee well-being and a focus on compliance and accuracy, Serco fosters a rewarding atmosphere for those dedicated to making a difference.

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Contact Details:

Serco Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Buyer in London

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 Serco Limited.

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 London

Procurement
Sourcing
Contract Lifecycle Management
Market Analysis
RFx Documentation
Negotiation Skills
Stakeholder Management

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 Serco Limited:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Serco Limited. 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 Serco Limited.

How to prepare for a job interview at Serco Limited

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 Serco Limited!

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 Serco Limited. 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 Serco Limited's culture.