IT Buyer

Farnborough, Hampshire
Manpower

Job Role: IT Buyer

Location: Farnborough or Bristol (Hybrid Working)

Rate: Negotiable (Inside IR35 via Umbrella)

12 Month Contract

Role Purpose:

The IT Buyer will play a key role in supporting the Defence company’s major ERP transformation programme, transitioning from SAP and Ariba to a new Oracle ERP solution. This role will be responsible for delivering end-to-end procurement and supplier management activities related to IT software, implementation services, licensing, and associated technology solutions.

You will ensure procurement activity aligns with corporate governance, MoD/Defence standards, and project timelines, delivering best value while mitigating commercial and contractual risks.

Key Responsibilities:

Procurement & Sourcing

• Lead sourcing activities for IT systems, software, and implementation services to support the ERP replacement programme (Oracle ERP implementation).
• Develop, issue, and manage RFPs/RFQs, supplier evaluations, and negotiation strategies in line with internal and defence procurement policies.
• Manage supplier onboarding, contract negotiation, and commercial terms to ensure compliance with corporate and defence regulations.
• Ensure all procurement activity complies with security, export control, and ITAR/EAR restrictions.

Commercial & Contract Management

• Draft, review, and manage contracts, statements of work (SoWs), and change control documentation.
• Negotiate pricing, SLAs, licensing agreements, and implementation milestones with suppliers.
• Monitor supplier performance and contract delivery to ensure project and operational requirements are met.
• Maintain commercial risk registers and develop mitigation plans for high-risk suppliers or dependencies.

ERP Transformation Support

• Work closely with the BFS Programme team, IT, and Finance to align procurement deliverables with the ERP transformation roadmap.
• Support the transition from SAP/Ariba procurement processes to Oracle ERP-based systems and tools.
• Provide procurement and commercial insight into ERP system configuration, vendor integrations, and licensing models.
• Support the development of procurement templates, policies, and processes within the new ERP environment.

Skills & Experience Required:

Essential:

• Proven experience as an IT Buyer, Category Manager, or similar role within a large, complex, or regulated organisation (ideally Defence, Aerospace, or Government).
• Strong understanding of software procurement, licensing models, and IT implementation services.
• Experience managing complex ERP or IT transformation procurements (preferably Oracle, SAP, or similar systems).
• Solid commercial and contractual negotiation skills.
• Working knowledge of public sector procurement frameworks and Defence Standards (DEFCONs, DSPCR, or equivalent).
• Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams under strict governance and security frameworks.

Desirable:

• Previous experience supporting ERP replacement projects or system integrations (Oracle ERP Cloud preferred).
• Familiarity with transitioning from legacy systems such as SAP and Ariba.
• CIPS qualification or equivalent.
• SC or DV Security Clearance (or ability to obtain).
• Experience using Oracle ERP or similar procurement modules.

Key Competencies:

• Commercial acumen and risk management
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Analytical and detail-oriented approach
• Negotiation and influencing
• Organisational agility and adaptability
• Proactive problem-solving