Operational Buyer (Newcastle, GB)

This review offers a detailed look at the Operational Buyer position at Newcastle University, highlighting its advantages and key considerations for prospective candidates looking to advance their careers.

Operational Buyer Opportunity at Newcastle University

Newcastle University presents an exciting fixed-term (12-month) opportunity for an aspiring professional to join their Procurement Operations Team as an Operational Buyer. This role is ideal for individuals with strong organisational skills and a keen eye for detail, seeking to contribute within a supportive and dynamic academic environment.

Advantages for Candidates:

• Career Foundation: This role serves as an excellent entry point for those looking to build a career in purchasing and procurement. You will gain practical experience in core procurement processes.
• Skill Development: You will have the chance to hone essential skills such as order processing, vendor management, query resolution, and system utilisation (SAP Finance System).
• Supportive Environment: Working under the guidance of experienced Team Leaders within a fast-paced yet supportive team environment offers ample opportunity for learning and growth.
• Organizational Commitment: Newcastle University is recognised for its commitment to employee wellbeing, offering a generous holiday package, excellent pension schemes, and various health and wellbeing initiatives.
• Impactful Contribution: You will play a crucial role in ensuring smooth, efficient, and compliant procurement operations, directly contributing to the university's academic and research endeavours.
• Professional Networking: The role provides the opportunity to build strong working relationships with colleagues and a diverse range of university stakeholders, expanding your professional network.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Contract Duration: This is a fixed-term position for 12 months, which is important for candidates seeking long-term employment stability.
• Salary Progression: The role offers a starting salary of £25,249 per annum with a clear progression pathway to £26,707 per annum, providing a defined salary growth structure within the contract period.
• Essential Skills: Success in this role hinges on strong organisational abilities, a meticulous eye for detail, excellent communication skills (both written and verbal), numerical proficiency, and robust IT literacy, particularly with Microsoft Office.
• System Familiarity: While knowledge of SAP Systems or equivalent ERP solutions is desirable, a willingness to learn and adapt is paramount. The role involves significant use of the University's SAP Finance System.
• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis is placed on customer care and the ability to communicate effectively with both internal and external stakeholders through various channels.
• Proactive Approach: The role requires the ability to manage a varied workload, prioritise tasks effectively, and proactively address challenges, such as chasing late orders or resolving VAT queries.
• Application Requirements: Candidates are required to upload a covering letter along with their CV, indicating the importance of a well-articulated expression of interest.

For those ready to embark on a career in procurement within a respected higher education institution, this Operational Buyer role at Newcastle University offers a valuable stepping stone. The emphasis on a supportive environment, skill development, and tangible contributions makes it a compelling opportunity for ambitious individuals looking to shape their career path.