Inside a senior buyer job

Buyer jobs come in many shapes and sizes. From assistant to indirect to category buyer, from small specialists to global organisations, there is huge scope and variety to the role. We spoke to a senior buyer about their career so far, to find out what it's really like to work in this fast paced job.

How did you first become a buyer?

After university I was lucky enough to find an assistant buyer role, where they supported me in achieving CIPS qualification too. From there I became a buyer, gaining experience working across several categories, before progressing to a senior role.

What does your day to day role involve?

My day revolves around contracts. Negotiating contract terms and logistics, negotiating pricing in line with our targets, drafting agreements, and analysing existing contracts – all while maintaining a good supplier relationship and adhering to best practice.

What is your favourite part of the job?

Understanding market trends, and ensuring my strategy reflects that, has generated results I'm very proud of. But most of all I love how no two days are the same, and there are so many opportunities to prove myself.

What advice would you give someone trying to find their first buyer job?

Develop your commercial nous – keep your ear to the ground, read the financial news – it will help at interview and it's a good habit to get into for when you're hired. Organisational and negotiation skills are also very valuable so it's important to develop these.

What does 2015 have in store for you?

I want to focus on developing my negotiation skills and begin specialising more in certain categories I'm interested in. Next, I think I'd like to move into a role where there is potential to become lead buyer or category manager.

Find your buyer job with Portfolio Procurement

Portfolio Procurement specialises in recruitment for procurement, sourcing manager and buyer jobs. Browse our available vacancies and apply online, or call us on 020 7650 3191 for assistance finding your next role.