Principal Purchasing Officer - IT Buyer

Principle Purchasing Officer. Responsible for procurement of IT products/services for the company users at the best possible price, delivery and quality with the purpose of optimizing operational service and contribution to company savings targets.

+ Support the running of major competitions as defined by the Group Commodity Manager. These competitions will be complex, involving a number of suppliers (between 2 and 7), and run to a tight timescale.
+ Responsible for initial compilation of subcontracts in the Information Management (IM) area, for approval by the Procurement process.
+ Support negotiations of subcontracts with suppliers to maximize cost, delivery and quality of products/services by agreement of a comprehensive set of terms and conditions.
+ Manage subcontracts resulting from competitions, valued between £200k and £2m. This involves moving from a single source supplier relationship to a multiple supplier scenario over the next 3 years.
+ Capture and record monetary savings ensuring Project and Finance sign-off
+ Management of interface with IM personnel to ensure we meet IM requirements, including short timescale requests, whilst maintaining the integrity of Procurement policies and procedures
+ Raising, maintaining and managing Request For Quotations, Purchase Orders and outstanding Order book in an effective and timely manner using SAP.
+ Provide briefs and reports for Senior Management reviews within an international environment.
+ Provide effective support to IM Project reviews in terms of critical

Skills and knowledge as a Principle Purchasing Officer:

+ Minimum HNC in IT, Business Studies or procurement or applicable experience. Commercial training will be provided to someone with strong technical background.
+ Excellent team building and communication skills, both written and verbal.
+ Proactive approach / self starter
+ Excellent negotiation/influencing skills
+ Good knowledge of cost make-up and pricing.
+ Competent in the use of Microsoft Office IT packages - (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
+ Knowledge and experience of SAP (preferably Materials Management). However training will be provided
+ Ability to operate within a European cultural framework.
+ French/Italian language skills would be an advantage but not essential.
+ Good understanding of IT goods / services essential.
+ Project Management skills advantageous, but not essential as training can be provided
+ Ability to manage a high level of complexity.
+ Ability to clearly communicate strategy and tactics across 3 nationalities.