Senior Buyer / Immediate

Job Description

Role: Senior Buyer

Department: Procurement
Salary: Fully Negotiable Depending on Experience + Benefits Package
Location: Belfast
Contract: Permanent / Full-Time

Purpose of Role

Deliver a high-performing, professional procurement service that drives value for money, sustainability, and continuous improvement through strategic sourcing, category management, and supplier performance.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead end-to-end tender processes, including complex specification development and contract award.

  • Develop and execute annual category plans, focusing on cost efficiency, sustainability, and market insight.

  • Build strong stakeholder relationships and manage expectations across departments.

  • Identify opportunities to streamline procurement processes and reduce duplication.

  • Manage and evaluate supplier performance; build strategic supplier partnerships.

  • Ensure all procurement activities comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

  • Conduct financial appraisals, life cycle costing, and business case development.

  • Coordinate cross-functional teams to support procurement project delivery.

  • Stay current with sector developments through ongoing professional learning.

  • Represent the organization in external procurement forums or groups.

  • Contribute to team and organizational success through clear objectives and commitment.

Essential Criteria

  • A degree or equivalent professional qualification in Procurement, Business, Finance, or a related field.

  • Minimum 3 years' relevant procurement experience, ideally in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.

  • Proven experience in managing tender processes and delivering value through strategic sourcing.

  • Strong knowledge of procurement legislation, public sector procurement (if applicable), and contract law.

  • Excellent analytical and financial skills, including cost analysis and business case development.

  • Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and manage supplier relationships effectively.

  • High level of written and verbal communication skills.

  • Strong planning and project management capabilities.

  • Proficiency in using procurement or ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP, Jaggaer).

  • Commitment to continuous professional development (e.g., CIPS qualification or working towards).

For further information on this opportunity, or any other jobs in Belfast or wider Northern Ireland, please apply via the link below or contact Phil Doherty via Vanrath in the strictest confidence.

INDPD

''5*'s for Vanrath. They found me a suitable agency post right away, it was a great fit, now I have got the job permanently! Very personable and knowledgeable to deal with and always took the time to understand and help out. Extremely professional service all round.''

''I contacted Vanrath after being laid off by my previous employer. They were fantastic to deal with and found me the perfect role that matched my skill set and experience and within a day or two had an interview lined up. Within the same week I was made a job offer which I happily accepted. So thankful that I contacted Vanrath. Couldn't have asked for a quicker and more professional service.''

''My experience with Vanrath has been so positive. They were very professional but friendly at the same time. The whole process has been excellent and I've secured a job that I really wanted. I wouldn't hesitate to go through Vanrath again in future as there was no waiting about and they continually kept me updated throughout. Thanks so much again.''