Assistant Buyer

Brook Street; Caerleon; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading procurement firm in Newport is looking for an Assistant Buyer to support procurement strategy and contract management. The role involves assisting with sourcing events, ensuring compliance with procurement policies, and maintaining supplier relationships. Ideal candidates will have broad procurement experience and a relevant degree or qualification. This position requires strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively. Apply ASAP for this exciting opportunity!

Qualifications

• Broad procurement experience with a relevant degree and/or progress towards a professional procurement qualification.
• Strong commercial awareness and relationship-building skills.
• Good understanding of procurement regulations, processes, and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Support tender events and contribute to negotiations.
• Help implement new suppliers following contract award.
• Act as a point of contact for suppliers and stakeholders.
• Maintain an effective Approved Vendor List.
• Support compliance with procurement policies.
• Ensure accurate administration of records and contracts.

Skills

Broad procurement experience

Strong commercial awareness

Relationship-building skills

Analytical skills

Organisational skills

Education

Relevant degree or progress towards MCIPS

Job description

Overview

Permanent opportunity for an Assistant Buyer to join a leading company based in Newport to support the delivery of the Procurement Strategy and Annual Procurement Plan by helping to run sourcing events, support contract management and drive value from supplier relationships.

Role Summary

Reporting to the Category Manager within a central Procurement team, this role supports the delivery of planned and ad‑hoc sourcing events, as well as day‑to‑day procurement and contract management activity. It helps monitor supplier performance, resolve procurement queries and support continuous improvement across the procurement function.

Key Responsibilities

• Support tender events, including data collection, market analysis, stakeholder identification, post‑tender analysis and contributing to negotiations and award papers.
• Help implement new suppliers and processes following contract award to ensure a smooth transition into business‑as‑usual.
• Act as a first point of contact for suppliers and internal stakeholders on sourcing, contract and procurement system queries, including providing user guidance or training.
• Maintain an effective Approved Vendor List to ensure a suitable pool of competent, accredited suppliers in line with procurement policy.
• Support stakeholder compliance with procurement policies, procedures and processes, and contribute to the development and roll‑out of any updates.
• Ensure accurate administration of records, contracts and related documentation, including vendor and framework order data.
• Assist with wider departmental tasks and procurement improvement initiatives as required.

Skills and Experience

Broad procurement experience with a relevant degree and/or progress towards a professional procurement qualification (e.g. MCIPS).

Strong commercial awareness and relationship‑building skills.

Good understanding of procurement regulations, contract processes, procedures and best practice.

Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact at different levels.

Strong analytical and organisational skills, able to prioritise, multi‑task and work under own initiative and as part of a team.

An energetic, flexible, customer‑focused individual who takes ownership of delivering against performance objectives.

Please apply ASAP.