IT Buyer

Manpower; Eastleigh; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an experienced IT Buyer to support an ERP transformation programme in Eastleigh. The role involves sourcing IT systems and software, negotiating contracts, and ensuring compliance with defence procurement regulations. Candidates should have substantial experience in IT procurement, strong negotiation capabilities, and the ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams. This position is onsite twice a week and requires active security clearance.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in IT procurement within a regulated organization.
• Strong understanding of software licensing models and implementation services.
• Ability to work within strict governance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing activities for IT systems and software.
• Negotiate contracts and manage supplier performance.
• Align procurement deliverables with ERP transformation roadmap.

Skills

IT procurement knowledge

Commercial negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Job description

Job Role: IT Buyer

Location: Farnborough (Onsite twice a week)

Rate: Negotiable (Inside IR35 via Umbrella)

Contract Length: 6 Month Contract

Security Clearance: Requires Active SC clearance

Role Purpose

The IT Buyer will play a key role in supporting the Defence company's major ERP transformation programme, transitioning from SAP and Ariba to a new Oracle ERP solution. This role will be responsible for delivering end-to-end procurement and supplier management activities related to IT software, implementation services, licensing, and associated technology solutions.

You will ensure procurement activity aligns with corporate governance, MoD/Defence standards, and project timelines, delivering best value while mitigating commercial and contractual risks.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Sourcing

• Lead sourcing activities for IT systems, software and implementation services to support the ERP replacement programme (Oracle ERP implementation).
• Develop, issue and manage RFPs/RFQs, supplier evaluations and negotiation strategies in line with internal and defence procurement policies.
• Manage supplier onboarding, contract negotiation and commercial terms to ensure compliance with corporate and defence regulations.
• Ensure all procurement activity complies with security, export control and ITAR/EAR restrictions.

Commercial & Contract Management

• Draft, review and manage contracts, statements of work (SoWs) and change control documentation.
• Negotiate pricing, SLAs, licensing agreements and implementation milestones with suppliers.
• Monitor supplier performance and contract delivery to ensure project and operational requirements are met.
• Maintain commercial risk registers and develop mitigation plans for high‑risk suppliers or dependencies.

ERP Transformation Support

• Work closely with the BFS Programme team, IT and Finance to align procurement deliverables with the ERP transformation roadmap.
• Support the transition from SAP/Ariba procurement processes to Oracle ERP‑based systems and tools.
• Provide procurement and commercial insight into ERP system configuration, vendor integrations and licensing models.
• Support the development of procurement templates, policies and processes within the new ERP environment.

Skills & Experience Required

Essential

• Proven experience as an IT Buyer, Category Manager or similar role within a large, complex or regulated organisation (ideally Defence, Aerospace or Government).
• Strong understanding of software procurement, licensing models and IT implementation services.
• Experience managing complex ERP or IT transformation procurements (preferably Oracle, SAP or similar systems).
• Solid commercial and contractual negotiation skills.
• Working knowledge of public sector procurement frameworks and Defence Standards (DEFCONs, DSPCR or equivalent).
• Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams under strict governance and security frameworks.

Desirable

• Previous experience supporting ERP replacement projects or system integrations (Oracle ERP Cloud preferred).
• Familiarity with transitioning from legacy systems such as SAP and Ariba.
• CIPS qualification or equivalent.
• SC or DV Security Clearance (or ability to obtain).
• Experience using Oracle ERP or similar procurement modules.

Key Competencies

• Commercial acumen and risk management
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Analytical and detail‑oriented approach
• Negotiation and influencing
• Organisational agility and adaptability
• Proactive problem‑solving