Senior Buyer Indirect - - London/Hybrid

Senior Buyer Indirect - - London/Hybrid

London Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Travelhx

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and supplier optimisation for exciting travel experiences.
  • Company: HX, a passionate team dedicated to sustainable adventures around the globe.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team that values collaboration and genuine interactions.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable travel while mentoring future leaders.
  • Qualifications: 8+ years in procurement with strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

At HX our purpose is to awaken people to the beauty and fragility of the planet, with adventure that reignites a sense of wonder. We take curious travellers to incredible destinations, sustainably in true expedition-style with science and education at the heart of every journey. We bring them off the beaten track, to special destinations across the Arctic, Antarctic, Galapagos, British Isles, Alaska, Northern Norway, and Central / South America.

The Senior Buyer – Indirect is responsible for providing commercially focused procurement leadership across assigned indirect spend categories, driving strategic sourcing, supplier optimisation, and value delivery aligned to business objectives. The role combines end-to-end sourcing execution with emerging category ownership, requiring strong negotiation skills, stakeholder management, and commercial judgement. The Senior Buyer - Indirect is expected to proactively identify opportunities, lead complex sourcing initiatives, influence business decisions early, and support the transition towards a structured, category-led procurement model while mentoring junior team members.

At HX, we are a passionate team who deliver our global operations from every corner of the world and our people are instrumental in continuing to inspire this adventure, play their part and deliver on our promise of guest centric and memorable experiences, benefiting the communities we visit, enriching our guests and inspiring a more sustainable world – to change the way they see the world.

Key Responsibilities & Deliverables
  • The Senior Buyer - Indirect is expected to take ownership of assigned spend categories, leading sourcing strategy, supplier optimisation, and stakeholder engagement to deliver commercial value and ensure procurement is embedded early in business decision-making.
  • Lead end-to-end sourcing activities including RFQs, RFPs, ITT and contract negotiations.
  • Develop and manage category plans, identifying opportunities for cost optimisation, supplier consolidation, and value delivery.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor on procurement and commercial decisions.
  • Define and implement supplier strategies, including Preferred Supplier Lists (PSLs) and supplier performance expectations.
  • Ensure compliance with procurement policy, governance frameworks, and legal requirements across all activities.
  • Proactively identify and develop a pipeline of sourcing opportunities aligned to business priorities.
  • Mentor and support the development of junior team members, providing guidance on sourcing activities and stakeholder engagement.
  • Collaborate with the Procurement Analyst to utilise spend data, insights, and reporting to inform decision-making and strategy.
  • Support cross-functional initiatives and projects as required.
  • Think sustainably and incorporate this mindset into sourcing decisions, supplier selection, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Champion the HX Spirits, promoting a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Requirements
  • Fluency in English is required.
  • Significant experience in procurement, sourcing, or commercial roles (typically 8+ years).
  • Proven experience leading end-to-end sourcing activities, including RFQs/ITT and supplier negotiations.
  • Demonstrated experience managing indirect spend categories (e.g. travel, marketing, professional services) required.
  • Experience developing category plans, identifying sourcing pipelines, and delivering cost optimisation initiatives.
  • Experience in supplier management, including supplier selection, consolidation, and performance oversight.
  • Ability to apply commercial insight and market knowledge to inform sourcing strategies and decision-making.
  • Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at multiple levels.
  • Experience within the expedition, travel, or cruise industry beneficial but not required.
  • Tech-forward and adaptable, with a proven ability to quickly learn and utilise procurement and business systems.
  • Proficiency in MS Office applications including Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
  • Experience working in a multi-national organisation with a global guest mix.
Key Personal Attributes / Behavioural Competencies
  • Safety and Compliance minded for yourself and others.
  • Acts with a high level of integrity, professionalism, and sound commercial judgement in all decisions.
  • Communicates with confidence and clarity, influencing stakeholders at multiple levels and managing complex discussions effectively.
  • Proactively drives outcomes, balancing strategic priorities with execution and delivering results in a dynamic environment.
  • Adapts positively to change, leading through ambiguity and supporting others through transformation.
  • Builds strong, trust-based relationships across the business, acting as a collaborative and credible partner.
  • Approach work with an emphasis on attention to detail and accuracy to minimize mistakes.
  • Ability to work in an organised and logical manner with the flexibility to adapt to change when necessary.
  • Strong sense of initiative and urgency, with the ability to follow up on outstanding matters efficiently.
  • Demonstrates pride and ownership in all aspects of your work, from high level advisory to essential day-to-day administration.
  • Demonstrated polish and professionalism at all times when engaging with leaders and team members with differing points of view.
HX Spirit
  • Passionate Explorers: We are proud of our history and are driven to create more.
  • ‘Can-do’ Mindset: We jump-in and proactively contribute to the greater good.
  • Humble Leadership: We have a short distance between leaders and teams.
  • Genuine Interactions: We want all people to be their true selves.
  • Supportive & Collaborative Teams: We are curious and generous with our knowledge. We Trust.

Senior Buyer Indirect - - London/Hybrid employer: Travelhx

At HX, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Our London-based team enjoys a hybrid work model, allowing for flexibility while engaging in meaningful procurement activities that directly contribute to sustainable travel experiences. With ample opportunities for professional growth and mentorship, we empower our employees to thrive in their roles and make a positive impact on the communities we visit.

Travelhx

Contact Details:

Travelhx Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer Indirect - - London/Hybrid

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 Travelhx.

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 Senior Buyer Indirect - - London/Hybrid

Procurement Leadership
Strategic Sourcing
Supplier Optimisation
Negotiation Skills
Stakeholder Management
Commercial Judgement
End-to-End Sourcing

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

How to prepare for a job interview at Travelhx

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 Travelhx!

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 Travelhx. 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 Travelhx's culture.