Senior Buyer

Cadent; Coventry; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cadent Gas Ltd in the UK is seeking a Senior Buyer to manage the Operational Services category, leading strategic sourcing activities and delivering commercial value.

You will own portfolio strategy, engage stakeholders and suppliers, and ensure compliant contracting while mitigating risks.

This role offers significant influence across Cadent's procurement outcomes and requires MCIPS or progression toward accreditation.

Qualifications

• MCIPS or working toward MCIPS accreditation.
• Strategic sourcing experience leading high-value activities.
• Strong commercial awareness and contract management knowledge.
• Ability to analyse data and present insights for sourcing decisions.
• Experience researching supply markets and identifying opportunities.
• Proven track record of process improvements to enhance service and efficiency.
• Excellent written and verbal communication to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Understanding of UK utilities procurement regulations and compliant tender processes.
• Ability to build collaborative supplier relationships and drive performance.

Responsibilities

• Own Operational Services category end-to-end; develop sourcing strategies.
• Lead market engagement, Tendering, and contract awards.
• Identify opportunities and deliver value-driven procurement outcomes.
• Analyse markets to anticipate risks and identify opportunities.
• Maintain strong supplier relationships and performance management.
• Support scoping, negotiation and implementation of contracts.
• Ensure sourcing activities align with Cadent's risk profile and procurement obligations.

Skills

MCIPS

Strategic sourcing

Commercial awareness

Analytical skills

Market knowledge

Process improvement

Communication skills

UK utilities procurement

Relationship building

Job description

Cadent Gas Ltd

Shape Commercial Value as a Senior Buyer

Are you an experienced procurement professional looking to make a real impact? We're looking for a Senior Buyer to manage our Operational Services category, leading strategic sourcing activities and helping deliver commercial value across the business.

This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of a key procurement portfolio, working closely with stakeholders and suppliers to develop innovative sourcing strategies, manage commercial risks and support Cadent's business objectives.

Why you'll love this role

• Category Ownership: Take end-to-end responsibility for your portfolio, developing and delivering category strategies that support business priorities and operational requirements.
• Strategic Sourcing: Lead sourcing activities from market engagement and tendering through to contract award, ensuring best-for-task solutions for Cadent.
• Commercial Influence: Collaborate with stakeholders to understand and challenge demand, identify opportunities and deliver value-driven procurement outcomes.
• Market Insight: Analyse supply markets, supplier capabilities and emerging trends to identify future risks, opportunities and innovative solutions.
• Supplier Relationships: Build and maintain strong supplier partnerships, driving performance and long-term value through effective relationship management.
• Contract Development: Support the scoping, negotiation and implementation of contractual agreements that balance business need, commercial value and risk.
• Governance & Compliance: Ensure sourcing and contract activities align with Cadent's risk profile, legal framework and procurement obligations.

What You'll Bring

• MCIPS Qualified: Or willing to work towards achieving MCIPS accreditation.
• Strategic Sourcing Experience: Proven experience leading complex, high-value sourcing activities, including supplier negotiations, cost management and commercial decision-making.
• Commercial Awareness: Strong understanding of commercial principles, contract management and procurement best practice.
• Analytical Skills: Confidence analysing and presenting data to support sourcing strategies and contract decisions.
• Supplier & Market Knowledge: Experience researching supply markets, assessing risks and identifying opportunities to strengthen category strategies.
• Process Improvement: A track record of identifying and implementing improvements that enhance service, efficiency and customer experience.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Procurement Knowledge: Understanding of UK Utilities and procurement regulations, with experience managing compliant tender processes.
• Relationship Building: Ability to develop effective working relationships internally and externally, creating collaborative and constructive partnerships.

Interviews are expected to take place w/c 21st September 2026