Lead Buyer
To £60,000 + bonuses + excellent benefits
South 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.