Buyer

OCU; Stockport; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

OCU Group is seeking a Buyer to support end-to-end procurement across the business from requisition to purchase orders. You will work with internal stakeholders and suppliers to drive value through strategic sourcing and effective contract negotiation.

You will analyse spend data, identify opportunities for process improvement and contribute to supply chain resilience and continuity planning. Prior experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in procurement processes, sourcing methodologies and supplier management.
• Strong negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to analyse spend data for cost and process improvements.
• Experience with ERP/e-procurement or spend analysis systems is desirable.
• CIPS qualification or working towards procurement accreditation is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support strategic sourcing activities to deliver value, cost savings and supplier performance improvements.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Manage procurement processes, ensuring accurate purchase orders and policy compliance.
• Negotiate pricing, service agreements and low-value contracts to secure favourable terms.
• Monitor supplier performance, compliance and quality standards, driving continuous improvement.
• Identify procurement risks and support mitigation and contingency plans.
• Analyse spend data and procurement trends to identify efficiencies and cost reductions.
• Promote supplier diversity and ethical sourcing practices.

Skills

Procurement

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Sourcing strategies

Education

CIPS qualification (advantage)

Tools

ERP / spend analysis systems

Job description

Department: Corporate Services

Location: Stockport

Description

As a Buyer, you will support the delivery of procurement activities across the business, ensuring goods and services are sourced efficiently, cost-effectively and in line with company policies. Working closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers, you will help drive value through strategic sourcing, supplier management and effective contract negotiation.

You will be responsible for managing the end-to-end procurement process, from requisition through to purchase order creation, maintaining strong supplier relationships and supporting initiatives to improve supplier performance, reduce costs and minimise risk. The role also involves analysing spend data, identifying opportunities for process improvements, and contributing to supply chain resilience and continuity planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Support strategic sourcing activities to deliver value, cost savings and supplier performance improvements.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Manage procurement processes, ensuring accurate purchase order creation and compliance with policies and procedures.
• Negotiate pricing, service agreements and low-value contracts to secure favourable commercial outcomes.
• Monitor supplier performance, compliance and quality standards, driving continuous improvement where required.
• Identify procurement risks and support the implementation of mitigation and contingency plans.
• Analyse spend data and procurement trends to identify efficiencies and cost reduction opportunities.
• Promote supplier diversity and ethical sourcing practices.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Previous experience in a Buyer or procurement role.
• Strong understanding of procurement processes, sourcing methodologies and supplier management.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to analyse data and identify opportunities for cost and process improvements.
• Experience using ERP, e-procurement or spend analysis systems is desirable.
• CIPS qualification or working towards professional procurement accreditation would be advantageous.

To ensure that everyone has a fair opportunity to join our team, please inform us if you require any reasonable adjustments to our recruitment and interview process is, by emailing [e-mail].