Buyer – 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract (Maternity Cover)

Location: Outskirts of Maidstone – Hybrid Working (Minimum 1 Day Per Week in the Office)
Salary: Up to £33,500 per annum (DOE)
Contract: Fixed-Term Contract, Up to 12 Months (Maternity Cover)
Hours: 35 Hours Per Week

About the Role

We are recruiting on behalf of our client for an experienced and motivated Buyer to join their Finance department on a fixed-term maternity cover contract for up to 12 months.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with procurement experience who is looking to further develop their skills within a supportive and established organisation.

Working closely with the Head of Procurement and Procurement Manager, you will support the delivery of procurement activities, manage supplier relationships, assist with contract negotiations and ensure purchasing processes are carried out efficiently and in line with company policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the selection and negotiation of new and existing supplier contracts.

• Manage requests for quotation (RFQs) and sourcing activities using ProContract Due North.

• Ensure purchase orders are raised accurately and promptly in accordance with procurement policies.

• Support internal departments with purchasing and procurement-related queries.

• Assist the Procurement Manager with contract renewals, agreement reviews and the timely signing of contracts.

• Coordinate supplier onboarding, ensuring all required documentation, due diligence checks and internal approvals are completed.

• Maintain strong working relationships with approved suppliers.

• Conduct supplier service reviews and assist with audits of key suppliers.

• Identify opportunities for cost savings and support the delivery of procurement savings targets.

• Maintain accurate procurement records and documentation to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Support the wider procurement team with day-to-day administrative and purchasing activities.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a proactive, organised and detail-oriented individual with experience in procurement or purchasing.

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• A minimum of 2 years' experience within a procurement or purchasing environment.

• Knowledge of general purchasing procedures, particularly Purchase to Pay (P2P).

• Strong numerical and literacy skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages.

• A CIPS qualification in progress or a willingness to work towards one.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

• The ability to build and maintain professional relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

• Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.

• A professional, flexible and proactive approach to work.

• The ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.

• A keen interest in developing a long-term career within procurement.

• Candidate must be able to drive due to location 

Candidates with relevant transferable skills and a willingness to develop within procurement will also be considered.

Benefits

• Hybrid working arrangements, with a minimum of 1 day per week in the office.

• Six weeks' annual leave plus bank holidays.

• Pension scheme with competitive employer contribution options.

• Professional development and training opportunities.

• Social impact benefit schemes.

• Supportive and inclusive working environment.