Senior Buyer

JR United Kingdom; London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job description

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Hybrid role (x2 days per week on site/ x3 work from home)

Nationwide’s procurement function has gone through, and continues to go through, significant and successful transformation to ensure we deliver the best possible outcomes for Nationwide and our members. Our operating model combines category alignment with business partnering focussed on the delivery of business and member outcomes.

We are looking for a Senior Buyer who is passionate about procurement and understands the value they can bring to Nationwide. You will understand the importance of developing compelling category strategies, getting the right commercial deal, investment into relationships and moving at pace. You will have a knowledge of multiple procurement categories, ideally understanding the specifics involved when contracting for data provision as well as IT contracting. A financial services background, or experience in a regulated environment would also be beneficial. You will want to make a difference with new thinking, whilst respecting we have process and policies to diligently follow.

We embrace new ways of working and contracting which will help the Society optimise its cost base, ensure resilience and create the space to generate new markets and income streams for Nationwide. You are keen to learn and are as excited as we are about the future this role will bring.

At Nationwide we offer hybrid working wherever possible. More rewarding relationships are supported through our hybrid approach, bringing colleagues together across our UK wide estate, whilst also supporting generous access to home working. We value our time in the office to solve problems, to learn, and to feel connected.

For this job you'll spend at least two days per week, or if part time you'll spend 40% of your working time, based at either our Swindon or London office. If your application is successful, your hiring manager will provide further details on how this works. You can also find out more about our approach to hybrid working here.

If based in London there is the need to attend ad/hoc meetings in Swindon from time to time. If based in Swindon there is also the requirement to attend ad/hoc meetings in London from time to time. There are also infrequent requirements to attend supplier visits.

This is a 12 month FTC role.

If we receive a high volume of relevant applications, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so please apply as soon as you can.

What you’ll be doing

1. Deliver “joined – up” procurement and supply chain strategies that are aligned to the full procurement lifecycle (category planning, sourcing & supplier management) for designated category.
2. Execute commercial and contractual activity for designated suppliers/categories, through the delivery of account plans, development plans (including the potential to identify new suppliers) and supplier governance.
3. Use stakeholder relationships to develop a deep understanding of the designated business area and to enable the development of procurement and supply chain strategies.
4. Own and manage the commercial contract risks which exist in the category, ensuring mechanisms are in place to identify, report, manage and mitigate risk within a defined risk appetite.
5. Draft, manage and where appropriate lead on negotiations to ensure robust commercial deals and a timely execution of Nationwide contract pipeline.

About you

• Knowledge of and experience in procurement and supply chain skills and techniques i.e. category management, contract negotiation and management, supplier selection and relationship management.
• Knowledge and experience in cost and budget management.
• Knowledge and experience in using Procurement tools; Purchase to Pay systems such as Coupa or equivalent.
• Demonstrable interpersonal skills including: effective communication, relationship building and stakeholder management. In this role you'll need to be comfortable negotiating terms and to provide updates to internal stakeholders.
• Ability to plan and prioritise effectively to manage and deliver a demanding workload.
• Be a self-starter, but a strong team player.
• Experience in leading market review exercise, e.g. Request per proposal.

Our customer first behaviours put customers and members at the heart of how we work together.

They are the set of behaviours that every colleague needs to display, in every role:

• Feel what customers feel - We step into our customers’ shoes, using their feedback and insights to empathise with them and to understand their needs, so that every decision we make starts and finishes with our customers in mind.
• Say it straight - We are brave in speaking out and saying what we think – we’re honest and direct with good intent, openly sharing diverse perspectives to reach the best conclusions and using language everyone can understand.
• Push for better - We don’t settle for mediocrity, we challenge the status quo, taking responsibility for continuous improvement and personal development.
• Get it done - We prioritise what will have the greatest impact, we are decisive, and we take accountability for delivering brilliant customer outcomes.

You can strengthen your application by showing how our customer first behaviours resonate with you, and where you may have already demonstrated these.

The extras you’ll get

There are all sorts of employee benefits available at Nationwide, including:

• A personal pension – if you put in 7% of your salary, we’ll top up by a further 16%.
• Up to 2 days of paid volunteering a year.
• Life assurance worth 8x your salary.
• A great selection of additional benefits through our salary sacrifice scheme.
• Wellhub – Access to a range of free and paid options for health and wellness.
• Access to an annual performance related bonus.
• Access to training to help you develop and progress your career.