At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement of non-production goods and services while achieving cost savings.
- Company: Join TVS Supply Chain Solutions, a supportive and empowering workplace focused on employee potential.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days holiday, wellness support, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values initiative and delivers impactful results for the business.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field; strong negotiation and analytical skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with up to 3 days in the office; equal opportunities employer.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
Job Description:
The Indirect Buyer is responsible for managing the procurement of non-production goods and services required for business operations. The role focuses on achieving cost savings, ensuring supplier performance, and supporting strategic initiatives across categories such as IT, operations, marketing, facilities, travel and professional services. This position involves working closely with internal stakeholders, negotiating contracts, and managing supplier relationships to deliver value and align with business objectives. The role requires a dynamic and quick-thinking approach to ensure business deadlines are met whilst optimising value for the company.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
1) Strategic Sourcing:
- Identify and evaluate suppliers for indirect goods and services.
- Conduct RFQs (Request for Quotations) and RFPs (Request for Proposals) to drive competitive pricing.
- Develop and implement category strategies aligned with company objectives.
2) Supplier Relationship Management:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers.
- Monitor supplier performance against agreed KPIs (Key Performance Indicators).
- Negotiate contracts, including pricing, terms, and conditions.
3) Cost Management:
- Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities across indirect categories.
- Analyse spend data to uncover trends and opportunities for consolidation.
4) Stakeholder Engagement:
- Collaborate with internal departments to understand their procurement needs and ensure alignment.
- Act as the primary point of contact for indirect procurement queries.
5) Compliance and Risk Management:
- Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies and legal requirements.
- Mitigate risks through effective contract management and supplier due diligence.
6) Operational Excellence:
- Maintain accurate records of procurement activities, including purchase orders and supplier agreements.
- Use procurement tools and software to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications and Experience:
- Strong understanding of indirect procurement categories, including supplier markets and cost drivers.
- Familiarity with procurement methodologies, such as category management and strategic sourcing.
- Knowledge of contract law and supplier performance management.
- Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in procurement tools and software.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
- Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building abilities.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office software
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
- Professional certifications such as CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) are desirable.
- Minimum 2–5 years of experience in indirect procurement or a related field.
- Proven track record in achieving cost savings and managing supplier relationships.
- Experience in contract negotiation and managing RFQs/RFPs.
- Knowledge of working in a cross-functional team environment.
Your package will include:
- Competitive Salary and pension scheme with life assurance
- 25 Days Holiday (plus 8 statutory Bank Holidays)
- Holiday buy-back scheme (5 additional days available)
- Employee Assistance Programme supporting wellness with immediate access to:
1) GP consultation and second opinions
2) Mental health support
3) Financial and Legal support
4) Wellbeing and healthy living support
- Employee referral scheme with financial reward
- Cycle to work scheme
- Professional Membership and Study Sponsorship
- Pass scheme (£100 to undertake training of your choice)
At TVS SCS we encourage and support our employees to realise their potential. They are empowered to take initiative and achieve high impact results that really make a difference to our business and our customers.
If you require any adjustments to allow you take a full and active part in the selection process, please notify us as part of your application. Please note TVS Supply Chain Solutions is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
TVS have signed the Armed Forces covenant and are a forces friendly employer.
Indirect Buyer employer: TVS Supply Chain Solutions UK & Europe
Contact Detail:
TVS Supply Chain Solutions UK & Europe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Indirect Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific indirect procurement categories mentioned in the job description, such as IT, marketing, and facilities. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding of the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience you have in negotiating contracts or managing supplier relationships. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you achieved cost savings or improved supplier performance.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills by discussing how you've used data to identify trends or opportunities in past roles. This will align well with the requirement for strong analytical skills in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to stakeholder engagement. Think of examples where you've collaborated with different departments to meet their procurement needs, as this is a key aspect of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Indirect Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Indirect Buyer position. Highlight key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to emphasize relevant experience in procurement, supplier management, and cost-saving initiatives. Use specific examples that demonstrate your negotiation skills and ability to manage multiple projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of indirect procurement and your strategic approach to sourcing. Mention your familiarity with procurement methodologies and how you can contribute to the company's objectives.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have professional certifications like CIPS or a degree in Business or Supply Chain Management, make sure to highlight these in your application. This will strengthen your candidacy and show your commitment to the field.
How to prepare for a job interview at TVS Supply Chain Solutions UK & Europe
✨Understand Indirect Procurement
Make sure you have a solid grasp of indirect procurement categories and the specific goods and services relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss your experience with strategic sourcing and how you've successfully managed supplier relationships in the past.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Since negotiation is a key part of this role, come ready to share examples of successful contract negotiations you've conducted. Highlight your approach to achieving cost savings while maintaining strong supplier relationships.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Abilities
Prepare to discuss how you've used data analysis to identify trends and opportunities for cost savings. Being able to articulate your analytical process will show that you can make informed decisions that align with business objectives.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to talk about your experience collaborating with internal departments to understand their procurement needs. Emphasize your ability to build relationships and act as a primary point of contact for procurement queries.