Senior Buyer - Technology Procurement

Department: Cyber Services and Capabilities

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: GBR Manchester Hardman Boulevard

Reporting To: Chris Dilnot

Description

Key Responsibilities

• Deep Technical Category Expertise: apply in-depth understanding of technology and cybersecurity products, licensing models, and emerging tech trends. 
• Managing complex Technology contracts: Negotiate contracts with a focus on technology-specific clauses such as software licensing terms, cloud service level agreements (SLAs), data privacy, intellectual property rights, and cybersecurity compliance requirements. 
• Supplier Risk Management: Assess and manage supplier risks related to cybersecurity threats, data breaches, and compliance with industry regulations, working closely with Legal Counsel, Data Protection and other stakeholders. 
• Enabling technology transformation: Support procurement activities that enable the company’s technology transformation efforts, such as the use of AI and the integration of advanced cybersecurity tools. 
• Cross-functional collaboration: Work directly with technical teams to understand technical requirements and ensure sourcing decisions meet operational and security standards. 
• Participate in sourcing and contract management for projects that involve highly sensitive data or critical infrastructure, ensuring strict adherence to confidentiality, compliance, and risk mitigation protocols. 
• Innovation and Market Intelligence: Continuously monitor emerging technology vendors, startups and market challengers, contributing to innovation and competitive advantage for the cybersecurity business. 

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Experience in procurement or strategic sourcing across technology categories, ideally within a global cybersecurity or IT environment. 
• Strong understanding of software licensing, cloud services, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity products, SLAs, and compliance requirements. 
• Experience using procurement platforms such as SAP Ariba or Coupa, alongside Microsoft Office. 
• Strong written and verbal communication, negotiation, stakeholder management, and interpersonal skills. 
• Knowledge of data privacy, cybersecurity standards, and vendor risk management. 
• Professional certification such as CIPS, CPSM, or ISM is desirable, alongside experience negotiating complex technology contracts, using supplier and spend data, and working in fast-paced, matrixed, global environments on sensitive projects. 
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent / equivalent experience in Business, Supply Chain, IT, Computer Science, or a related field. 

Job Benefits

• Flexible Working: Balance your work and personal life with our flexible working options.
• Generous Holiday Allowance: Enjoy 25 days of holiday, plus bank holidays, with the option to buy up to 5 additional days of annual leave.
• Medicash & Critical Illness Scheme
• Financial & Investment Benefits: Enjoy peace of mind with our Pension, Life Assurance, and Share Save Scheme.
• Community & Volunteering Programmes: Make a difference in your community with our volunteering opportunities.
•  Green Car Scheme: Drive green and save money with our eco-friendly car scheme.
• Cycle Scheme: Stay fit and healthy with our cycle-to-work scheme.
• Special Time Off: Take time off for those big moments in life, like getting married/entering into a civil partnership, becoming a grandparent, and welcoming home a new pet.
• Family Planning: Benefit from our generous maternity and paternity leave, as well as time off and support for those undergoing fertility treatments.