Junior Buyer

ManpowerGroup; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

ManpowerGroup is seeking a Junior Buyer to join a global FMCG client in Slough. The role supports the Professional Services Procurement Manager across HR, Finance, Legal, IT&D, and BPO, driving cost savings through strategic sourcing and supplier management.

The position is a full-time temporary assignment for 3 months with a mix of remote and onsite work (2 days in the office per week). Strong negotiation and data-analysis skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in professional services procurement or indirect categories.
• Strong negotiation skills and understanding of contract structures.
• Ability to manage complex data sets and global pricing structures.

Responsibilities

• Support the Global Professional Services Manager in developing and executing global sourcing strategies.
• Analyze spend data and market trends to identify cost optimization opportunities.
• Lead sourcing events, including RFPs and RFIs, and manage supplier selection processes.
• Negotiate commercial terms and contracts with global consulting firms and outsourcing partners.
• Monitor supplier performance and ensure continuity of service and value delivery.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, Legal and IT&D to understand business needs.
• Build relationships and influence stakeholders to support procurement strategies.
• Support financial modeling, pricing analysis and savings tracking.
• Maintain global pricing structures and contribute to cost transparency and budget alignment.
• Utilize procurement platforms such as Ariba Sourcing and spend analytics tools.
• Manage complex data sets and dashboards to support decision-making and reporting.

Skills

Negotiation

Cost savings

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Global sourcing

RFP/RFI management

Ariba familiarity

Education

Degree in Business, Finance, Law, or Supply Chain

CIPS Level 4 or pursuing

Tools

Ariba

Job description

Manpower are currently seeking an interim Junior Buyer to work with our global FMCG client Reckitt, renowned for brands such as Dettol, Finish, Nurofen, and to become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment.

The role is based in Slough with 2 days a week in the office. This a full-time temporary role to start as soon as possible and to run for 3 Months, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive.

The role currently offers a mix of remote and onsite working, subject to adjustment based on business requirements.

Role Overview:

As a Junior Buyer, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the Global Professional Services Procurement Manager in delivering strategic sourcing initiatives across HR, Finance, Legal, IT&D, and Business Process Outsourcing. You’ll lead complex negotiations, manage supplier relationships, and collaborate with internal stakeholders to drive cost savings, service excellence, and long-term value.

This role is ideal for a commercially astute procurement professional with strong analytical capabilities, global sourcing experience, and a passion for professional services procurement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Global Professional Services Manager in developing and executing global sourcing strategies.
• Analyze spend data and market trends to identify opportunities for cost optimization and supplier innovation.
• Lead sourcing events, including RFPs and RFIs, and manage supplier selection processes.
• Negotiate commercial terms and contracts with global consulting firms, legal providers, and outsourcing partners.
• Monitor supplier performance and ensure continuity of service, risk mitigation, and value delivery.
• Collaborate with internal teams across HR, Finance, Legal, and IT&D to understand business needs and priorities.
• Build strong relationships and influence stakeholders to support procurement strategies and compliance.
• Support financial modeling, pricing analysis, and savings tracking.
• Maintain global pricing structures and contribute to cost transparency and budget alignment.
• Utilize procurement platforms such as Ariba Sourcing and spend analytics tools.
• Manage complex data sets and dashboards to support decision-making and reporting.

What You’ll Bring:

• Experience in professional services procurement or indirect categories.
• Strong negotiation skills and understanding of commercial models and contract structures.
• Ability to manage complex data sets and global pricing structures.
• Familiarity with procurement tools (e.g., Ariba), spend cubes, and savings methodologies.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage multiple cross-border projects including RFPs, RFIs, and supplier evaluations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in Business, Finance, Law, or Supply Chain.
• CIPS qualification (Level 4 or above) or actively working towards certification.
• 3+ years of procurement experience, ideally in a multinational environment.
• Exposure to global outsourcing and professional services markets.