IT Buyer

Manpower UK - RISE; Farnborough; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an IT Buyer based in Farnborough to support a Defence company's ERP transformation programme. The successful candidate will lead procurement activities for IT software and services, ensuring compliance with corporate governance and Defence standards. Essential skills include solid negotiation skills and experience in managing complex ERP procurements. This role offers flexibility with onsite requirements twice a week.

Qualifications

• Experience within a large, complex, or regulated organisation, ideally Defence or Government.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement frameworks and Defence Standards.
• Ability to work under strict governance and security frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing activities for IT systems and software.
• Manage supplier onboarding and contract negotiation.
• Support procurement deliverables in the ERP transformation.

Skills

Proven experience as an IT Buyer

Strong understanding of software procurement

Experience managing complex ERP procurements

Solid commercial and contractual negotiation skills

Ability to work across multidisciplinary teams

Job description

Job Description

Job Role : IT Buyer

Location : Farnborough (Onsite twice a week)

Rate : Negotiable (Inside IR35 via Umbrella)

6 Month Contract

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