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- Tasks: Join our award-winning procurement team as a Senior Buyer and drive impactful purchasing decisions.
- Company: Be part of the University of Edinburgh, a top 50 global university with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, pension scheme, and flexible work options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a dynamic environment while developing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: Relevant procurement experience, strong interpersonal skills, and a passion for excellent customer service.
- Other info: Champion diversity and inclusion in a supportive workplace committed to professional development.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 42000 £ per year.
We are looking for a great person to join our award-winning procurement team as a Senior Buyer.
The opportunity Procurement at Edinburgh University is undergoing a major transformation as we transform our Procurement extending the scope of our influence and impact across our £1bn world-renowned organisation and introduce Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP. This is a great opportunity for a Senior Buyer to join our team.
The University of Edinburgh is one of the world's top universities consistently ranked in the world top 50 and placed 20th in the 2020 QS World University Rankings. It has over 33,000 students and employs 15,000 staff and has a non-pay spend in excess of £300 million per annum. Our vision is to become world class in everything we do recognised as a trusted strategic partner in the successful delivery of the University’s Strategy 2030.
To deliver on our commitments we are now looking for people who make things happen, who challenge the status quo, are excited about working in a diverse dynamic environment and really want to make a change. Edinburgh University is a world leader. Be part of our new Procurement journey.
The Senior Buyer will:
- Obtain quotations for purchases supporting end users to develop accurate specifications and analysing requirements to identify suitable suppliers for direct Requests for Quotations for lower value non-regulated procurements.
- Create, advertise, evaluate and award tenders to suppliers using University and relevant external systems/portals and in accordance with agreed commodity procurement strategies.
- Decide upon the appropriate procurement route and whether order consolidation is possible at all times ensuring compliance with University policies, procedures and procurement regulations and sourcing strategies.
- Ensure effective and efficient administration of the University’s Procurement Card programme in accordance with policy and procedure escalating any fraudulent transactions/discrepancies to the Procurement Support Team and other relevant parties.
- Organise and maintain document management (e.g. specification development, e-Sourcing, whole life costing and contract/order placement benefits and efficiency records).
- Investigate and resolve invoice price variances by liaising with end users and external suppliers to ensure prompt supplier payment.
- Create new supplier requests and submit to the Procurement Support team ensuring business probity considerations are actioned.
- Support the development of Operational Procurement processes, training delivery, provide advice and guidance to end users and improve service standards.
- Ensure supplier catalogues are kept up-to-date.
- Represent the University at relevant external events and contribute to future commodity strategies by participating in User Information Groups.
- Deputise for Operational Procurement Manager as required.
- Monitor suppliers' performance against contracts or other arrangements.
- Investigate and resolve any issues with suppliers and end users to ensure satisfactory levels of quality of service and goods is received.
- Analyse expenditure profiles, look for opportunities to reduce duplication and streamline processes for the University in goods, services and works.
- Prepare and deliver on annual commodity plans to achieve best practice indicators to contribute to improving commodity influence, value for money, whole life costing, sustainability, etc.
The successful candidate will have relevant procurement experience ideally in IT Software & hardware procurement, public or Higher Education sector with knowledge of legislative framework and will demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development. IT experience is not mandatory if supported by substantial procurement experience and a demonstration of ability to pick up a new category.
They should be passionate about delivering excellent customer service and possess excellent interpersonal skills for effective interaction with internal customers and external suppliers. Ideally, they should be able to demonstrate examples of responsiveness and successful introduction of change, be self-motivated and thrive in a time-sensitive high volume environment with a flexible attitude and the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
They should have personal credibility and ethics, be a good team player with good commercial influencing and negotiation skills, and have the ability to influence and provide guidance to colleagues throughout the University on procurement best practice and compliance. They should possess good analytical skills, good attention to detail and the ability to produce clear evidence-based reports and recommendations, and good presentation skills to deliver procurement updates and training to end users.
As a valued member of our team you can expect:
- A competitive salary.
- An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
- To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
- Comprehensive Staff Benefits such as a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives and flexible work options.
Championing equality, diversity and inclusion, the University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions actively promoting LGBT equality.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages.
On this occasion the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role. International workers will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
The closing date for applications is 3 December 2025. Interviews are planned immediately on review of suitable applicants. If invited for interview you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK.
Unless stated otherwise, the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK, the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browser's local time zone.
Required Experience: Senior IC Key Skills Purchasing, Sourcing, Procurement, HR Sourcing, SAP, Supply Chain Experience, ERP Systems, negotiation, Materials Management, Manufacturing, MRP, Contracts.
Employment Type: Full-Time
Department / Functional Area: Finance
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1
Yearly Salary: £41,064 - £48,822
Senior Buyer employer: University of Edinburgh
Contact Detail:
University of Edinburgh Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field, especially those who work at the University of Edinburgh. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in procurement and how they relate to the University’s goals. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also passionate about making a difference in our procurement journey.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Buyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to influence and guide colleagues. Role-play scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our award-winning team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Buyer role. Highlight relevant procurement experience, especially in IT and software, and showcase your skills in negotiation and supplier management. We want to see how you can make an impact!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about joining our team at the University of Edinburgh. Share specific examples of how you've challenged the status quo in previous roles and how you can contribute to our transformation journey.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: As a Senior Buyer, you'll need strong analytical skills. In your application, mention any experience you have with analysing expenditure profiles or streamlining processes. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to deliver value for money!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us that you're serious about joining our award-winning procurement team!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Edinburgh
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in IT and software. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and regulations in the sector, as well as the specific procurement strategies used by the University of Edinburgh. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but someone who understands the landscape.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've used analytical skills in past roles. Think of examples where you've analysed expenditure profiles or streamlined processes. The interviewers will want to see your ability to produce evidence-based reports and recommendations, so have some solid examples ready.
✨Demonstrate Your Customer Service Passion
Since the role involves interacting with both internal customers and external suppliers, be ready to share instances where you've delivered excellent customer service. Highlight your interpersonal skills and how you've successfully introduced change in previous positions. This will help them see you as a team player who can thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about how you would handle issues with suppliers or end users, and be ready to discuss your negotiation tactics. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
