Lead Buyer - Digital & Technology

MBDA UK Ltd; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense organization in Bristol is seeking a Lead Buyer to join their Digital Services procurement team. This role offers the chance to lead procurement competitions across various sectors, including IT and software. Responsibilities include partnership development with suppliers and internal customers, contributing to both UK and international procurement projects. The position offers competitive compensation, a hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Company bonus up to £2,500

Pension contribution up to 14%

Opportunity for paid overtime

Up to 15 additional flexi leave days

Flexible working arrangements

Enhanced parental leave

Fantastic site facilities

Healthcare Cash Plan

Qualifications

• Experience in digital procurement is preferred.
• Comfortable in learning and developing procurement skills.
• Indirect procurement background is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement competitions at UK or Group level.
• Develop procurement pipeline with Category Managers.
• Champion relationships with partners and suppliers.

Skills

Digital procurement understanding

Indirect procurement experience

Education

MCIPS qualification (or working towards)

Job description

Bristol

Are you a Buyer looking for a Lead Buyer role or Lead Buyer looking for an international role? Are you looking to expand your existing knowledge and skills and want to work flexibly and dynamically in a role that better suits your lifestyle but gives you a professional challenge?

Salary

Circa £45,000 - £55,000 depending on experience

Dynamic (hybrid) working

2-3 days per week on-site due to workload classification

Security Clearance

British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

What we can offer you

• Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
• Pension: Maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Overtime: Opportunity for paid overtime
• Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
• Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
• Enhanced parental leave: Offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave - enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more…
• Healthcare Cash Plan: The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more.

The opportunity

Come and join our Digital Services procurement team! We lead all aspects of IT and software spend across the Group. This includes Enterprise Software, SaaS and Software Services, Engineering & Manufacturing Software, Networks, Telecoms, Hardware, Printing, Cyber Security, AI, Cloud and outsourced Services such as Front & Back Office, Application Maintenance, etc. The team is transversal, giving you the opportunity to specialise in one area, or to develop into new ones to broaden your knowledge. If you have skills in any one of these areas, or are have skills in Indirect Procurement and are looking to develop into Digital procurement, then we would be pleased to discuss how you might best fit within the team!

You will work in partnership with our internal customers to lead procurement competitions in the UK or at Group level, develop our procurement pipeline working with Group Category Managers, champion the right relationships with our partners and suppliers, and deliver the right procurement outcomes for MBDA. This role is one where you can run and build competitions both in the U.K. and contribute in a truly international context.

Your role would sit within “Group Digital Services Domain”, which consists of c. thirty five procurement professionals based in Stevenage, Rome and Paris. It is part of a wider international Indirect team of c. 85 people. Indirect Procurement acts as a real business partner and utilises best-in-class procurement tools and processes. We have an excellent reputation for attracting and nurturing talent, developing individual potential and providing opportunities to learn and grow. We are keen to offer flexibility and hybrid working, making this role unique in us being able tailor the role to meet individual needs of the right candidate!

There are few procurement roles that offer such an exciting mix of international working, a dynamic and flexible working pattern, and the potential for career development within a growing and constantly-evolving company.

What we’re looking for from you

• Someone who understands any aspect of Digital procurement, or is comfortable with learning and developing these skills and from an Indirect procurement background.
• Ideally, we would like someone willing to or working towards MCIPS qualification.

Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.

We are proud of our employee‑led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more…

We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.

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