Buyer

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Job advert -

Buyer (Tactical Procurement)
Location: Glasgow (Hybrid)
Contract Type: Fixed Term (18 Months)
Department: Business Service Centre (BSC)
Reports To: Purchasing Team Manager
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Buyer to join a newly established Purchasing Team within the Business Service Centre (BSC). The team will play a critical role in managing tactical procurement activity, enabling Procurement & Supply Chain Category Managers to focus on strategic sourcing and high-value commercial opportunities.
The Buyer will support the delivery of commercial value across transactions typically ranging between £10,000 and £50,000, ensuring compliance with procurement policies, existing contracts, and category strategies while providing an excellent service to business stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Tactical Procurement & Sourcing
Manage end-to-end sourcing and buying activities for tactical procurement requirements.
Lead competitive quotation exercises and mini-competitions using approved frameworks.
Support stakeholders in obtaining best value while maintaining compliance with governance requirements.
Utilise procurement systems and sourcing tools, including Fairmarkit and ERP platforms, to deliver efficient sourcing outcomes.
Stakeholder Support
Act as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders across the business.
Provide guidance and support on procurement processes, policies, and routes to market.
Assist business users in navigating framework agreements and approved supplier arrangements.
Deliver a responsive and customer-focused procurement service.
Contract & Supplier Management
Monitor supplier performance and support supplier management activities.
Collaborate with Category Managers to identify opportunities for supplier consolidation and improved commercial outcomes.
Escalate significant commercial, operational, or compliance risks where appropriate.

Compliance & Continuous Improvement
Review buying activity to ensure adherence to procurement policies and governance requirements.
Identify spend that should transition to existing contracts or category-managed solutions.
Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of procurement processes, guidance, and user training materials.
Support the wider adoption of strategic category management across the organisation.

Data & Reporting
Analyse procurement and spend data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
Support preparation of reports, dashboards, and supplier performance information.
Track savings, cost avoidance, and value delivery achievements.
Skills & Experience
Essential
Experience in a Buyer, Procurement Specialist, Sourcing Specialist, or Supply Chain role.
Good understanding of procurement principles, sourcing methodologies, and supplier management.
Experience managing competitive tendering, quotations, or framework call-off processes.
Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
Ability to prioritise workload and manage multiple procurement activities simultaneously.
Strong analytical and commercial awareness.
Experience using procurement and ERP systems.
Desirable
CIPS qualification (or working towards).
Experience within utilities, infrastructure, engineering, or regulated industries.
Familiarity with Fairmarkit, Oracle Fusion, or similar procurement platforms.
Experience supporting category management activities.
Key Behaviours
Commercially focused
Customer-oriented
Proactive problem solver
Collaborative team player
Detail-oriented with strong governance mindset
Continuous improvement mindset
Success Measures
The successful Buyer will:
Deliver measurable cost savings and cost avoidance.
Improve compliance with procurement policies and existing contracts.
Support efficient processing of tactical sourcing activities.
Increase stakeholder satisfaction with procurement services.
Identify opportunities to transition spend into strategic category-managed solutions.
Why Join Us?
This is an exciting opportunity to help establish a new Purchasing Team that will shape the future of tactical procurement, improve commercial outcomes, and support the delivery of significant value across the organisation.