Lead Buyer
Role: Software Buyer Salary: £45k - £55k depending on experience Location: Bolton
A leading manufacturer is seeking an experienced Software Buyer to join its IT Procurement team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a procurement professional with strong experience across software, IT services and technology procurement to play a key role in a high-profile business transformation programme.
You will work closely with stakeholders, suppliers and international colleagues to manage strategic software procurement projects from initial requirements through to sourcing, negotiation and contract award.
The role offers hybrid working, generous pension contributions, paid overtime, flexi-leave, enhanced parental benefits and excellent on-site facilities.ws
What You'll Do:
As a Software Buyer, you will:
· Lead end-to-end procurement activity across software, and IT technology requirements.
· Manage strategic RFI and RFP processes, including supplier evaluation, commercial negotiations and contract award.
· Work closely with IT and business stakeholders to understand software requirements and develop detailed Statements of Work (SOWs).
· Lead supplier selection, negotiation and contract management activities.
· Develop and implement effective Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) strategies.
· Monitor and drive supplier performance, ensuring delivery against contractual and commercial requirements.
· Own and deliver complex, large-scale software procurement projects from start to finish.
· Support the development and negotiation of contracts that align with wider business and technology objectives.
What You Bring:
The ideal candidate will have:
· Proven experience in software, IT or technology procurement.
· Experience managing complex software procurement projects, ideally including software licensing and/or technology services.
· Strong experience running RFI and RFP processes and negotiating with technology suppliers.
· Experience working closely with IT stakeholders to define requirements, SOWs and commercial objectives.
· Proven ability to manage large-scale procurement projects from initial sourcing through to contract award and implementation.
· Strong contract management and supplier relationship management experience.
· Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to operate confidently across international teams.
· Experience managing supplier performance and developing effective supplier strategies.
· Eligibility for UK Security Clearance is essential.
The Company:
This organisation is a leader in its sector and offers a supportive, inclusive working environment with flexible arrangements designed around individual needs. The role offers 3 days working from home, flexi-leave, generous pension contributions of up to 14% and enhanced parental leave of up to 26 weeks.
Employees also benefit from ongoing training and development opportunities, supportive leadership and excellent on-site facilities.
How to Apply:
For more information, please contact Seren Milner on seren.milner@robertwalters.com or 07345472685.
Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates
About the job
Contract Type: Permanent
Specialism: Procurement & Supply Chain
Focus: Purchasing / Procurement
Industry: Purchasing and Procurement
Salary: £45,000 - £60,000 per annum + • Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution
Workplace Type: Hybrid
Experience Level: Associate
Location: Bolton
FULL_TIMEJob Reference: GQ1IIM-CE10C8CA
Date posted: 24 September 2026
Consultant: Seren Milner
northern-west procurement-supply-chain/purchasing-procurement 2026-09-24 2026-11-23 purchasing-and-procurement Bolton Greater Manchester GB GBP 45000 60000 60000 YEAR Robert Walters https://www.robertwalters.co.uk https://www.robertwalters.co.uk/content/dam/robert-walters/global/images/logos/web-logos/square-logo.png true