Buyer, Indirect Procurement (9‑12 months FTC)
VetPartners Limited is seeking a Buyer to join the Group Indirect Procurement team on a fixed‑term basis until 31 December 2026. The role focuses on sourcing goods and services essential for operations while supporting supplier performance and relationship management. You will work within a small, supportive and experienced procurement team, improving how the company manages indirect spend and delivers value.
The role covers all aspects of indirect spend, across categories from technology to business services and professional services. You will support the Senior Procurement Manager and the Group Indirect Procurement Director in driving category strategies, supplier performance initiatives, and efficiencies that demonstrate value to business stakeholders. The opportunity will help grow your procurement expertise in a collaborative, supportive environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Collaborate with internal departments and practices to understand needs and provide procurement support.
* Conduct market research to identify potential suppliers, understand market trends, and run RFIs/RFPs and supplier quotations.
* Onboard and set up new suppliers.
* Gather and analyse spend data and market insights to shape category plans and inform decisions.
* Build and maintain positive supplier relationships to ensure quality and timely delivery of goods and services.
* Monitor supplier performance through KPIs and feedback, supporting corrective actions.
* Focus on reducing costs and managing the total cost of ownership for purchases.
* Negotiate contracts and terms with suppliers to secure optimal deals.
* Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies and regulations.
* Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes and tools for efficiency.
* Provide administrative support to the wider Indirect Procurement Team, including new supplier onboarding and coordination of internal stakeholder communications.
* Serve as the first point of contact for procurement‑related queries from practice colleagues and internal teams, ensuring a professional and solutions‑focused response.
Experience
* Initial experience in a procurement role, ideally involving indirect spend.
* Experience in entrepreneurial, acquisitive, or private‑equity‑backed environments is desirable but not essential; experience in a related sector (e.g., healthcare) is advantageous.
* Right to work in the UK without sponsorship and presence in the office in York (YO30 4UZ) 2 days per week.
Skills
* Strong negotiation and communication skills.
* Commercial acumen.
* Understanding of supplier contracts, ordering process, pricing, and invoicing.
* Excellent interpersonal skills, able to influence outcomes across all business levels.
* Team player who enjoys contributing to business success.
* Organised, proactive, comfortable working independently or as part of a team.
* Analytical skills, able to turn data into clear insights.
* Experience with procurement, contract management, finance or business analytics tools (e.g., SAP Ariba, Coupa, Oracle, PowerBI).
* Degree‑level education or equivalent.
* CIPS qualification desirable but not essential.
Benefits (pro rata)
* Competitive salary depending on experience.
* Flexible hybrid working: 2 days in the office (commute not expensed), 3 days at home.
* Health Shield policy – health cash plan with discounts at supermarkets and retailers.
* Cycle‑to‑Work scheme.
* Career development opportunities with learning & development programmes.
* 25 days holiday + bank holidays; plus buy/sell holiday options up to 10 additional days.
* Enhanced maternity/paternity pay.
Please apply today! (Apply directly – no agency submissions.)
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