Lead Buyer – IT Transformation

Overview

You will lead IT transformation procurement within a defence setting, driving end-to-end sourcing and supplier governance. In this role you collaborate with stakeholders to shape requirements, craft SOWs, and oversee contracts across a major programme. You will implement SRM practices, steer supplier performance, and manage complex relationships across UK and international partners. The position offers high-impact work shaping strategic procurement in a critical transformation initiative.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic RFI/RFP activities to identify market players and partners for a major transformation programme
• Act as the senior procurement lead, gathering requirements and developing statements of work (SOWs)
• Manage and develop contracts across the programme and related support activities
• Develop and implement supplier relationship management (SRM) approach to ensure timely, quality delivery
• Drive supplier performance, deliver value, and handle issues escalations as needed
• Build effective relationships with UK and international stakeholders, colleagues, and suppliers

Key requirements

• Strong end-to-end procurement experience with evidence of delivering complex, strategic procurement
• Experience leading large procurement projects/programmes in a high-profile, stakeholder-heavy environment
• Confidence engaging in an international context and building internal/external relationships
• Proven contract management ability, including SOW development and monitoring supplier delivery
• Ability to drive supplier performance and create value through commercial and procurement levers
• Ability to meet security/eligibility requirements (e.g., BPSS) where applicable
• Candidates must pass BPSS and SC clearance requirements

• stakeholder management
• relationship building
• communication in international contexts
• RFI/RFP processes
• SOW development
• contract management

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