Associate Buyer

Associate Buyer

Location: Bristol or Warwick (Hybrid)

Contract: 6 months initially, with strong potential to extend or convert to permanent

Day rate: £333 per day (via Umbrella)

Are you an experienced procurement professional looking to make a real impact within a growing regional supply chain function? This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking organisation during a period of transformation as they move from centralised to region-based procurement. You'll have the autonomy to lead your own sourcing activity, the chance to shape commercial strategy, and the support of a highly collaborative team.

Responsibilities:

• Lead lower-value/lower-risk regional sourcing events from end to end.
• Support higher-complexity procurement activity alongside senior team members.
• Conduct supply market research and identify new potential vendors.
• Prepare and issue RFPs and other tender documentation.
• Analyse bid responses and support commercial decision-making.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions with suppliers.
• Manage supplier contracts, including renewals and compliance oversight.
• Ensure adherence to procurement policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with SMEs, project managers, QS teams, commercial teams, and the supply chain lead.
• Contribute to sourcing strategy and Gateway (0-5) documentation.

Requirements:

• Procurement experience, ideally within utilities or a regulated environment.
• Experience running sourcing and contract management processes across varied categories.
• A strong commercial mindset with the ability to extract value through negotiation and strategy.
• Knowledge of NEC contract models (Options A and C preferred).
• Confidence operating independently and managing end-to-end procurement cycles.
• Ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders and suppliers.
• A proactive, curious approach to understanding the commercial landscape and regulatory requirements.

Please note: Due to the high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within 48 hours, unfortunately, your application has not been successful on this occasion. However, we may retain your details for any future suitable vacancies and contact you accordingly.

Pontoon is an employment consultancy. We put expertise, energy, and enthusiasm into improving everyone's chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. We do this by showcasing their talents, skills, and unique experience in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.

We use generative AI tools to support our candidate screening process. This helps us ensure a fair, consistent, and efficient experience for all applicants. Rest assured, all final decisions are made by our hiring team, and your application will be reviewed with care and attention.