Assistant Buyer

1st Executive Ltd; Salford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK Plc is seeking an Assistant Buyer to shift experienced sales/account management professionals into tactical procurement. This role will leverage existing skills in negotiation and relationship management while focusing on long-term value creation and cost savings through effective supplier management.

Qualifications

• Experience in Sales or Account Management with a strong commercial track record.
• Excellent negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Confidence working cross-functionally with teams and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a robust purchasing strategy focusing on cost savings.
• Lead supplier negotiations and build strong, ethical partnerships.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to understand requirements.

Skills

Negotiation Skills

Relationship Management

Commercial Acumen

Education

Graduate-level education

Job description

Contact:

Contact email:

Job ref:

J69199103_1748342907

Published:

2 days ago

Expiry date:

2025-06-26

Startdate:

ASAP

Transition Your Sales or Account Management Skills into a Tactical Procurement Role

Are you a commercially minded professional with a background in Sales or Account Management? Are you ready to take your relationship-building and negotiation skills to the next level? Our client - a leading UK Plc with a strong reputation for growth, diversity, and sustainability - is offering a fantastic opportunity to move into a tactical, value-driven role within their Procurement team.

This is a chance to shift from selling products and services to sourcing them, playing a key part in shaping commercial strategy and driving long-term business success.

As an Assistant Buyer, you'll use your commercial acumen to manage a category of goods or services - ensuring the business gets the best value from its suppliers. Much like managing client accounts, you'll build strong internal and external relationships, identify opportunities, and negotiate win-win outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain a robust purchasing strategy with a focus on cost savings and long-term value
• Prioritise category initiatives based on business needs and commercial opportunity
• Lead and influence sourcing timelines and supplier selection processes
• Own supplier negotiations and build strong, ethical supplier partnerships
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to understand their requirements and add strategic value
• Bring fresh ideas and challenge the status quo to deliver innovative sourcing solutions

What We're Looking For:

• A graduate-level education is ideal but not essential
• Sales or account management experience with a strong commercial track record
• Excellent negotiation and relationship management skills
• Confidence working cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners
• A results-driven mindset with a focus on value creation and long-term growth
• MCIPS qualification (or working towards it) is desirable but not essential - training can be supported

Why This Role is Perfect for Sales/Account Management Professionals:

This is a fantastic opportunity for experienced sales and/or account management professionals to leverage their existing commercial skills in a new and rewarding direction.