IT Buyer
Rate: Negotiable (Inside IR35 via Umbrella)
Contract: 6 Month Contract
Location: Farnborough (Onsite twice a week)
Role Purpose
The IT Buyer will play a key role in supporting the Defence company's major ERP transformation programme, transitioning from SAP and Ariba to a new Oracle ERP solution. This role will be responsible for delivering end-to-end procurement and supplier management activities related to IT software, implementation services, licensing, and associated technology solutions. You will ensure procurement activity aligns with corporate governance, MoD/Defence standards, and project timelines, delivering best value while mitigating commercial and contractual risks.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement & Sourcing
* Lead sourcing activities for IT systems, software, and implementation services to support the ERP replacement programme (Oracle ERP implementation).
* Develop, issue, and manage RFPs/RFQs, supplier evaluations, and negotiation strategies in line with internal and defence procurement policies.
* Manage supplier onboarding, contract negotiation, and commercial terms to ensure compliance with corporate and defence regulations.
* Ensure all procurement activity complies with security, export control, and ITAR/EAR restrictions.
Commercial & Contract Management
* Draft, review, and manage contracts, statements of work (SoWs), and change control documentation.
* Negotiate pricing, SLAs, licensing agreements, and implementation milestones with suppliers.
* Monitor supplier performance and contract delivery to ensure project and operational requirements are met.
* Maintain commercial risk registers and develop mitigation plans for high-risk suppliers or dependencies.
ERP Transformation Support
* Work closely with the BFS Programme team, IT, and Finance to align procurement deliverables with the ERP transformation roadmap.
* Support the transition from SAP/Ariba procurement processes to Oracle ERP-based systems and tools.
* Provide procurement and commercial insight into ERP system configuration, vendor integrations, and licensing models.
* Support the development of procurement templates, policies, and processes within the new ERP environment.
Essential Skills & Experience
* Proven experience as an IT Buyer, Category Manager, or similar role within a large, complex, or regulated organisation (ideally Defence, Aerospace, or Government).
* Strong understanding of software procurement, licensing models, and IT implementation services.
* Experience managing complex ERP or IT transformation procurements (preferably Oracle, SAP, or similar systems).
* Solid commercial and contractual negotiation skills.
* Working knowledge of public sector procurement frameworks and Defence Standards (DEFCONs, DSPCR, or equivalent).
* Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams under strict governance and security frameworks.
Desirable
* Previous experience supporting ERP replacement projects or system integrations (Oracle ERP Cloud preferred).
* Familiarity with transitioning from legacy systems such as SAP and Ariba.
* CIPS qualification or equivalent.
* SC or DV Security Clearance (or ability to obtain).
* Experience using Oracle ERP or similar procurement modules.
Key Competencies
* Commercial acumen and risk management
* Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
* Analytical and detail-oriented approach
* Negotiation and influencing
* Organisational agility and adaptability
* Proactive problem-solving
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Contract
Job function
* Purchasing and Supply Chain
Industries
* Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage
#J-18808-Ljbffr