Assistant Buyer jobs in United Kingdom

Office location: Milton Keynes (with regular weekly travel across the UK)

Salary: £54,000 - £58,000 per annum

Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week (hybrid working available)

In this role, you are responsible for maximizing value through Procurement by strategically managing the UK supplier spend and identifying opportunities that drive sustainable improvements in cost, quality, service, and innovation.

The role supports 5 PFI contracts across the UK, primarily focusing on Capex & Life Cycle categories, with potential support on other categories such as MRO, Business Services, Fleet, Energy, and Facilities.

• Established procurement and strategic sourcing experience, including knowledge of professional purchasing policies and procedures.
• Background in Engineering procurement, with experience negotiating NEC contracts.
• Project Management experience is a plus.
• Proven track record in Engineering and Strategic Procurement and Category Management, preferably in an engineering & industrial environment (CAPEX & Life Cycle Senior Buyer).
• Experience building relationships with key suppliers and business leaders, especially in fast-paced, technical industries.

• Drive and ensure suppliers meet continuous improvement and productivity initiatives.
• Negotiate new contracts directly with suppliers from start to finish.
• Create category strategies for 1, 3, and 5 years based on spend analysis and specific criteria.
• Support procurement team members in managing procurement processes and controls, including cross-functional training.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Operations to identify procurement activities.
• Work with Legal to determine appropriate contract forms for specific packages.
• Implement and manage procurement tendering activities, including preparing tender documentation and negotiations.
• Manage relationships with suppliers.
• Maintain procurement programs and progress reports for all live projects.
• Ensure the company is protected from unnecessary risks or claims during procurement.

• Minimum 4-5 years' experience as a Procurement professional.
• Experience negotiating contracts directly with suppliers.
• Ability to develop category strategies over 1, 3, and 5 years.
• Experience managing full tender processes.
• Knowledge of NEC contracts and sourcing.
• Procurement experience in engineering-focused businesses.
• Ability to work collaboratively and implement strategic sourcing opportunities.
• Understanding of strategic sourcing processes with a track record of achieving YOY savings.
• Mobility and flexibility to travel across UK sites weekly.

• Competitive salary
• Enhanced employer contribution pension plan
• 33 days annual leave including statutory holidays
• Opportunities for career development, with a history of promotion from within
• Access to wellbeing and reward platform from Day 1