Assistant Buyer (Fixed-term, Internal Only)

We’re embarking on an exciting transformation to build a more efficient, commercial, and innovative Procurement function – and we’re looking for an Assistant Buyer to join us on a fixed-term basis to cover maternity leave.

This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to an evolving department, support critical procurement activities, and take ownership of tasks that are shaping the future of BU.

What You’ll Do

As an Assistant Buyer, you’ll:

Support Clients Across the BU

• Source goods and services in compliance with organisational and public procurement regulations.
• Deliver the “5 Rights” of procurement: right quality, quantity, cost, delivery, and service.
• Prioritise social value, environmental responsibility, and sustainability in procurement decisions.
• Identify risks and collaborate with clients to support their programmes effectively.
• Resolve immediate procurement challenges and escalate strategic issues where required.

  Contribute to Procurement Team Success

• Ensure all procurements are accurately documented with a clear audit trail.
• Collaborate with category and supplier managers to deliver the BU’s procurement strategy.
• Identify opportunities for cost-saving tenders and optimise low-value procurement processes.
• Manage selected tenders and assist with other procurement activities as directed.

  Support Procurement Excellence Across BU

• Act as a key contact for devolved buyers and the wider procurement community.
• Provide guidance on frameworks, compliance with procurement rules, and best practices to deliver value for money.
• Record and share lessons learned to help improve processes and approaches.

  Develop Your Skills

• Manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Take advantage of personal development opportunities through formal and informal learning.
• Be flexible and ready to support the wider Procurement team’s activities.

  Why This Role Is Exciting

  This role offers you the chance to:

• Be part of a transformational programme and help shape our department’s future.
• Gain exposure to strategic projects and influence more efficient ways of working.
• Take on meaningful projects that deliver value, innovation, and sustainability.

Special Requirements

You may need to travel occasionally for supplier meetings or regional events, with the possibility of short overnight stays.

Contract Details

This is a fixed-term role to cover maternity leave, providing a great opportunity to gain experience and make a real impact.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to take on this exciting role and support our transformation, we’d love to hear from you. If you’d like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Jane Habgood [email protected].

This position does not meet the eligibility requirements for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route within the UK Visa and Immigration service’sPoints Based System.  Therefore, BU will not be able to sponsor individuals who require permission to work to carry out this position. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-job.

Help us shape the future of procurement – apply today!

The Finance and Procurement department provides advice and support on financial and commercial matters to teams across the university, as well as ensuring that all regulatory demands are adhered to and financial transactions are timely, complete, and accurate for all income and expenditure, including payroll. The Procurement team works with a wide range of suppliers, helping to manage all BU procurement activity and assisting and advising the University’s faculty and professional service departments in relation to their purchasing requirements.