Senior Buyer

Cadent Foundation; Rugby; Hybrid; GBP 51,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Pension matched up to 18%

25 days holiday

Extra day off for life moments

Career development

Flexible working

Diversity & Inclusion commitments

Employee discounts & gym access

Job summary

Cadent is seeking a Senior Buyer to lead the Operational Services portfolio. You will manage end-to-end sourcing activities, engage stakeholders, and deliver value while balancing risk and commercial outcomes.

This hybrid role requires working 2–3 days in the Ansty office or regional hub, with remote work flexibility. You will drive category strategies, negotiate contracts, and support governance and compliance across procurement processes.

Qualifications

• Category ownership and end-to-end portfolio management.
• Sourcing strategy development from market engagement to contracts.
• Commercial decision-making and risk management in procurement.

Responsibilities

• Own the Operational Services portfolio and deliver category strategies.
• Lead strategic sourcing from market engagement to contract award.
• Influence stakeholders with data-driven procurement recommendations.
• Analyse supply markets to identify risks and opportunities.
• Maintain strong supplier relationships to drive performance and value.
• Support governance, compliance, and contract development.

Skills

Strategic Sourcing

Commercial Awareness

Analytical Skills

Supplier & Market Knowledge

Process Improvement

Communication Skills

Procurement Knowledge

Relationship Building

Education

MCIPS Qualification

Job description

Title: Senior Buyer

Location: Hybrid between Ansty Office (CV7 9JU) & Home

Advertised Salary: £50,940-£59,931 depending on skills & experience

Job Function: Finance

Working Hours: 37

Location Type: Hybrid

Contract Type: Permanent

Req ID: 2979

Posting End Date: 14/9/26

Location: Hybrid between Ansty Office (CV7 9JU) & Home – typically 2/3 days per week in office or other regional office depending on your location

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

At Cadent, we’re thrilled to be part of the future of UK energy!

We have a clear roadmap to drive our performance to the forefront of our industry and support the UK government in achieving its net zero targets by 2050.

We’re making a difference through innovation and new ways of working. Together, we’re shaping a cleaner, greener future for our 11 million customers, whom we put at the heart of everything we do.

What’s In It For You

• Annual bonus
• Pension Scheme double matched up to a total of 18% of salary
• 25 days holiday, plus statutory days, and an option to buy more
• An extra day off each year to celebrate life’s special moments
• Career development with funded learning options
• Flexible working and strong ED&I commitments
• Generous family policies and flexible benefits
• Retail discounts, gym access, and more

We support a healthy work-life balance and are open to flexible working options.

Diversity and Inclusion

Don’t meet every requirement? No problem! If you’re excited about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification mentioned, we would still love for you to submit your application – you may just be the right person for this role or other opportunities at Cadent.

We value diversity and are committed to being an equitable employer. Our employee communities – Women in Cadent, Pride at Work (LGBTQ+), Embrace (ethnicity and religion), Thrive! (disability), the Cadent Military Community, the Grief Awareness Community, and the Men's Engagement Network (M.E.N) – can’t wait to welcome you!

As a proud Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria for the vacancy. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process and we will ensure that support is provided.

Be part of something big. Help shape the future of gas for generations to come.