Senior Buyer - Technology

Job Description

At OVO, we understand that a one size fits all approach doesn’t work for everyone. That’s why we created the OVO Way of Flexibility.

All our roles are hub based (Bristol, Glasgow or London), providing a dedicated space for collaboration, connection and teamwork. You’ll also have the flexibility to work from home.

Everyone belongs at OVO

At OVO, we are on a mission to solve one of humanity's biggest challenges, the climate crisis. And we know it takes all of us to change the world. That's why we need diverse people from all abilities, gender identities, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, life experiences and backgrounds to join us.

Teamworking for the planet

Everything we do here spins around Plan Zero. So, naturally, the team you’ll be joining plays a gigantic role in making that happen. Here’s how:

We’re looking to hire a Senior Buyer into the Procurement team to support delivery of Plan Zero across the Technology category; driving the best outcome for the planet when considering how we purchase software, hardware, services, hosting and more!

This role in a nutshell

This role is an entry level role in our Procurement function. Working alongside a Procurement Manager, you will be supporting the Senior Procurement Manager with the sourcing of a wide range of indirect products and services within our Technology category. You will be responsible for delivering exceptional stakeholder management across a wide range of business stakeholders, both within Technology and anywhere else in OVO that Tech is sourced whilst highlighting and tracking risk.

Your key outcomes will be

• Business partnering with operational stakeholders (i.e. Heads of Departments and Managers).
• Contributing to the development of various category strategies (including but not limited to Software, Hardware, Professional Services, Data Services and Networks & Telco).
• Negotiating low-medium value supplier contracts.
• Gathering and manipulating relevant data to build and keep updated a clear view of category spend and suppliers.
• Contributing to savings strategies and opportunity analysis.
• Liaising with supporting functions such as Legal and Finance, ensuring relevant budgets and legal terms are in place.
• Educating OVO stakeholders on the procurement policy and process.
• Maintaining Procurement systems used for contract management and eSourcing.
• Supporting with the implementation of new procurement systems and process.
• Supporting OVOs Plan Zero objectives.
• Other ad hoc tasks as required.

Within your first 3 months month you’ll::

• Have commenced category strategies focusing on Data and Networks & Telco.
• Maintain and report against a pipeline of savings.
• Be known in your business area and by key collaborators as their Procurement point of contact.
• Be familiar with OVO Procurement’s savings rationale and commercial levers.

Systems

We use Google Workplace for our day to day tasks. Training will be provided around specialist sourcing systems.

You’ll be successful in this role if you…

• Are MCIPS level 4 qualified (or working towards this) with at least 3 years experience in a similar role (desired).
• Are able to pick up new processes, systems and ways of working quickly and effectively.
• Have good relationship management skills, able to build a trusting relationship both internally with stakeholders and externally with suppliers.
• Possess great organisational skills and are able to manage multiple tasks at one time.
• Have a willingness to learn in a coachable manner.
• Have basic negotiation skills.
• Are able to effectively prioritise work loads balancing importance and urgency whilst managing stakeholder expectations.
• Possess good presentation and communication skills.
• Are able to apply skills beyond the traditional functions of Procurement and to bring them to bear on a broad range of commercial issues.
• Are IT literate (knowledge of Procurement systems is desirable).
• You should also be a delivery focused self starter. team-oriented and with a collaborative, pragmatic approach.
• Have a foundational understanding of category management practices.
• Have exposure to energy and technology businesses (desirable).

Let’s talk about what’s in it for you

We’ll pay you between £32,670 - £47,041, depending on your specific skills and experience. If your expectations are a little different, have a chat with us!

We keep our pay ranges broad on purpose to give us, and you, flexibility to match your experience to our zero carbon mission.

You’ll be eligible for an on-target bonus of 15%. We have one OVO bonus plan that focuses on the collective performance of our people to deliver our Plan Zero goal.

We also offer plenty of green benefits and progressive policies to help you feel like you belong at OVO…and there’s flex pay. We'll give you 9% Flex Pay on top of your salary – 4% of this is auto enrolled into your pension, and the remaining 5% is yours to do what you like with. You can use this to buy from our extensive range of flexible benefits, including our green benefits which we've put at the heart of our offering, add to your pension or even take it as cash.

Here’s a taster of what’s on offer:

For starters, you’ll get 34 days of holiday (including bank holidays).

For your health

With benefits like a healthcare cash plan or private medical insurance depending on your career level, critical illness cover, life assurance, health assessments, and more

For your wellbeing

With gym membership, travel insurance, workplace ISA, will writing services, dental insurance, and more

For your lifestyle

With extra holiday buying, discount dining, home & tech loans, and supporting your favourite charities with give-as-you-earn donations

For your home

Get up to £400 towards any OVO Energy plan, plus great discounts on solar, smart thermostats and EV chargers

For your commute

Nab a great deal on ultra-low emission car leasing, plus our cycle to work scheme and public transport season ticket loans

Want to hear about our full range of flexible benefits and progressive people policies? Our People Team can tell you everything you need to know.

For your Belonging

To find better ways to support our people, we need to listen to each other’s experiences and find ways to build a truly inclusive and diverse workplace. As part of this, we have 8 Belonging Networks at OVO. Led by our people, for our people - so when you join OVO, you can play a part - big or small - with any of the Networks. It's up to you.

Oh, and one last thing...

We’d be thrilled if you tick off all our boxes, yet we also believe it’s just as important we tick off all of yours. And if you think you have most of what we’re looking for but not every single thing, go ahead and hit apply. We’d still love to hear from you!

If you have any additional requirements, there’s a space to let us know on the application form; we want to make the process as easy and comfortable for you as possible.