Job Description
Lead Buyer
To £60,000 + bonuses + excellent benefitsSouth Kent (Hybrid working)
Are you ready to take the lead in a high-performing procurement team? This is an excellent opportunity to step into a hands-on, strategic role where you’ll shape procurement activity across a diverse and complex spend portfolio.
We’re supporting a major organisation with significant long-term investment plans. They are seeking experienced procurement professional to oversee a small team and drive excellence across sourcing, tendering, contracting, and supplier performance.
The Role
* Lead, coach and develop the procurement team, ensuring high standards of performance, collaboration, and professional growth.
* Plan and deliver multi-category procurement activity, including both recurring contracts and major projects.
* Own and run tender processes from strategy development through to award, ensuring best-value technical, financial, and contractual outcomes.
* Negotiate and secure contracts, managing variations, disputes and performance throughout the contract lifecycle.
* Engage internal stakeholders to understand requirements, influence decision-making, and ensure compliance with procurement, financial, and governance frameworks.
* Provide insightful reporting to senior management on progress, risks, performance and key commercial issues.
* Champion ethical, safe, compliant procurement practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement across the team.
About You
* Strong background in procurement within technical, commercial, or operationally complex environments.
* Experience managing or mentoring procurement staff and setting clear direction for a team.
* Excellent understanding of contract law, supplier management and tender governance.
* Strong communication, relationship-building and negotiation skills.
* Ability to balance hands-on delivery with longer-term strategic planning.
* Proficiency in SAP or similar procurement/ERP systems and Microsoft Office.
* A proactive, organised, solutions-focused mindset.
* Degree or professional qualification is desirable but not essential.
Benefits
* Salary up to £60,000
* Bonus schemes
* Share scheme options
* Enhanced pension contributions
* Life insurance
* Extensive retail, travel and leisure discount packages
* Hybrid working following onboarding (3 days office, 2 days WFH)
* 36 days holiday (includes bank holidays)
If you’re a confident procurement leader who thrives in a fast-paced, project-driven environment and you’re passionate about developing others, we’d love to hear from you.