Senior Buyer

Team: Procurement – Commercial and Procurement Service
Job Family: Providing - CBG7
Salary: £28,598 - £31,022 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: You will be expected to attend a CBC office location as often as needed to carry out your role, which will be no less than once per week.
Contract Type: Hybrid – Permanent
Closing Date: 17th May 2026
Interview Date: w/c 25th May 2026

About the Role

The Buying Team plays a vital role in supporting the Council to deliver high‑quality public services by ensuring that goods, works and services are sourced efficiently, compliantly, and with best value at their core.

As a Senior Buyer, you will lead and support a team of Buyers responsible for purchase order management, supplier sourcing, and low‑value procurement activity across the organisation. You will be a key point of contact for service areas, providing advice, challenge, and practical support to ensure procurement procedures are followed and value for money is achieved.

This is a hands‑on, people‑focused role that combines operational procurement, staff leadership, and cross‑council collaboration. You will also play a leading role in coordinating procurement initiatives, managing the procurement pipeline, and administering the Council’s Supplier Incentive Scheme.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide professional support to Buyers, including allocating work, overseeing delivery, and ensuring consistent application of procurement policies and procedures.
• Support service areas and requisitioners with purchasing activity, offering clear guidance and constructive challenge where procedures are not followed.
• Lead and coordinate low‑value procurement activity, including quotation exercises, ensuring compliance with the Council’s Constitution and Procurement Procedures.
• Play a key role in managing and coordinating the procurement pipeline, working collaboratively with service areas to plan and prioritise activity.
• Administer and oversee the Supplier Incentive Scheme, ensuring effective operation and continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders across the Council.
• Promote best practice in buying and procurement, supporting continuous improvement and value for money outcomes.
• Contribute to the development of the Buying Team, sharing knowledge, mentoring staff, and supporting service delivery during periods of high demand.

About You

You will be an experienced procurement or buying professional who enjoys working in a fast‑paced, service‑focused environment and supporting others to do their best work.

You will bring:

• Education to A‑level, NVQ Level 3, HNC standard or equivalent.
• A relevant professional qualification such as CIPS, or a willingness to work towards this.
• Practical experience of buying, purchasing, or procurement activity within a complex organisation.
• Experience of supporting or managing staff and allocating work effectively.
• A good understanding of procurement procedures and governance, with the confidence to challenge non‑compliant activity.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with suppliers and stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent organisational skills, able to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.

Experience within local government or the public sector would be advantageous but is not essential.

For an informal discussion about this position, please contact: Daniella Stratton – Buying Team Manager at daniella.stratton@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.