Interim Senior Buyer

Cambridge - £30ph Immediate Start Hybrid working available

The Opportunity

Our client is seeking an experienced procurement professional to provide immediate support within a busy and high-performing procurement function during a period of growth and change. This is a hands-on role where you'll take ownership of sourcing and supplier management activities across a broad range of expenditure categories, working closely with stakeholders to deliver commercial outcomes, manage risk and ensure projects progress at pace. Operating within a complex research, innovation and technology-led environment, you'll be trusted to manage competing priorities, challenge constructively and provide commercially sound procurement support from day one.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end sourcing and procurement activities across multiple spend categories
• Manage competitive tendering and supplier selection processes
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across the organisation, acting as a trusted procurement partner
• Lead supplier negotiations and support contract discussions
• Identify opportunities to drive value, improve supplier performance and mitigate risk
• Conduct market analysis and supplier research to support sourcing strategies
• Manage a portfolio of procurement projects simultaneously, ensuring delivery against agreed timescales
• Provide commercial advice and procurement expertise to internal stakeholders
• Support contract implementation and supplier relationship management activities

About You

We're looking for an experienced procurement professional who can quickly establish credibility and operate with a high degree of autonomy. You'll bring:

• Proven experience within procurement, sourcing or strategic purchasing environments
• Experience managing sourcing projects and supplier negotiations
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
• The confidence to challenge requirements and drive commercial decision-making
• Excellent commercial awareness and analytical capability
• The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• A track record of delivering value through supplier and procurement activity
• Experience operating across a variety of spend categories would be advantageous

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to join a fastastic business operating at the forefront of research, technology and innovation. You'll work on a varied portfolio of procurement projects, engage with senior stakeholders and play a key role in supporting a busy procurement function during a critical period.