Senior Strategic Buyer (Software)
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Are you a strategic, commercially sharp procurement professional ready to take ownership of high impact software and technology categories? At Microlise, we’re looking for a Senior Strategic Buyer who thrives on autonomy, enjoys solving complex challenges, and wants to play a key role in a growing, innovative organisation.
If you’re already operating confidently at a senior level, particularly across software, SaaS, and indirect procurement. This is an opportunity to step into a role with genuine influence, visibility, and strategic impact.
Why this role?
You’ll shape category strategies, deliver measurable savings, and partner closely with teams across IT, Product, Engineering, Finance, and Legal. This isn’t “just another procurement job”.
It’s a role designed for someone who wants to make a tangible difference while continuing to grow their career. You’ll also have opportunities to support and mentor others across the function. Not a step up, a step forward.
But don’t just take our word for it…
Here’s what our Head of Procurement has to say about the team you’d be joining:
“We’re a strategic, high-impact procurement function that genuinely partners with the business to drive value, manage risk, and support Microlise’s growth. In this role, you’ll lead meaningful projects, collaborate with supportive colleagues, and contribute to continuous improvement across the function. If you’re looking for visibility, purpose, and room to grow, we’d be excited to welcome you.”
What you’ll be doing:
* Lead the sourcing, negotiation, and contract management of indirect, software, SaaS, and IT service categories.
* Develop and execute sourcing strategies that align with organisational goals around cost optimisation, risk mitigation, and technology enablement.
* Analyse spend, market trends, and vendor landscapes to identify savings opportunities and procurement efficiencies.
* Deliver measurable cost savings through strategic negotiation, supplier consolidation, and demand management.
* Implement total cost of ownership (TCO) methodologies to ensure long term value.
* Assess and manage supplier related risks, including commercial, operational, cyber security, data privacy, and regulatory compliance risks.
* Work closely with Legal, InfoSec, and Risk teams to ensure contracts and supplier engagements satisfy corporate standards.
* Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with key software and technology suppliers.
* Lead supplier business reviews, performance assessments, and supplier development initiatives.
* Drive continuous improvement and innovation through collaborative supplier engagement.
* Serve as a trusted advisor to business units, providing guidance on sourcing options, commercial terms, and supplier capabilities.
* Partner cross functionally with IT, Engineering, Product, Legal, and Finance to support technology driven initiatives.
* Communicate procurement strategies, market insights, and recommendations clearly and effectively to senior leaders.
* Ensure adherence to procurement policies, contract governance, and approval workflows.
* Support the development and improvement of procurement processes and systems (e.g., contract lifecycle management, vendor onboarding).
What we’re looking for:
* Proven experience as a Buyer/Senior Buyer within the indirect arena, software, SaaS, or technology centric organisation.
* Strong track record of delivering cost savings, optimising spend, and negotiating high value agreements.
* Deep understanding of indirect service agreements, software licensing models, cloud/SaaS contracts, and IT procurement practices.
* Demonstrated ability to manage supplier risk across commercial, operational, and compliance dimensions.
* Strong influencing, negotiation and communication skills with a proven track record of effective cost management and cost savings delivery
* Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and relationship building skills.
* Strong analytical and commercial mindset with proficiency in data driven decision making.
* Ability to thrive in a dynamic, high growth environment while managing competing priorities.
* CIPS qualified or willing to work towards
* Good working knowledge of IT packages including Microsoft and ERP systems
* Confident outlook and a positive attitude to deliver departmental targets
* Able to deputise for the procurement manager if required
Why Microlise?
When your groceries arrive at your door or you sign for your online parcel, one or more of our software, telematics or proof-of-purchase solutions has probably been used. Our solutions deliver value to many of the UK’s leading grocery retailers and food logistics providers as well as to household names including JCB, Eddie Stobart, Carlsberg, Waitrose and Tesco.
Proudly Midlands-based, Microlise has been operating for over thirty years, and recently became a Publicly Listed Company with shares trading on the London Stock Exchange. Our growing business is guided by our culture which drives the way we behave, the way we work, the way we connect with our customers, and the way we support and develop our people.
Full support and training to ensure you are well equipped to succeed in your role
Private medical insurance with Vitality Health including rewards for members such as: Free Amazon Prime, Apple Watch, discounted gym membership and many more
33 days holiday, including bank holidays, increasing year on year to 38 days, then further increases with length of service
Life Assurance, 4 times your annual salary
Free Costco membership, 20% off EE mobile and line rental, and other discounts with Reward Gateway
Invested in employee health and well-being with over 20 mental health first aiders in the business
Employee Assistance Programmes
Great staff extras: Easter eggs, yearly BBQ, Christmas gifts, annual staff awards and many more incentives
Free Microlise Cresswell Racing Tickets, support British Superbikes
Executive Box at Motorpoint Arena Nottingham
Great Place to Work™ certified – We have been recognised by the global authority on workplace culture, so come be a part of our success
Best Workplace in the UK™ for Development, Technology, Wellbeing and Women
Recruitment Process
For successful candidates, interviews will take place whilst the advert is still live; so don’t delay getting your application in!
Recruitment Agencies
Whilst we make every effort to directly source candidates for our live roles, we do have a very small preferred supplier list on the occasion we may require additional support. We therefore do not accept speculative CVs and/or cold calls to our Recruitment Team or Hiring Managers.
Please note: The successful candidates job title will be Senior Buyer, in line with our organisational structure