IT Buyer

Job Advert

About Us:

Ocado Technology is putting the world’s grocery retailers online using the cloud, robotics, AI, and IoT.  We provide services to partner clients globally via our innovative advanced robotics technology, known as the Ocado Smart Platform ("OSP"), this drives our highly automated, multi-million pound Customer Fulfilment Centres (CFCs). In our CFCs - together with the proprietary software applications - we operate a world-class online grocery business that automates the single pick of products, ready for your online delivery.

Of course, achieving this is no mean feat, and whilst we have ambitious strategies to grow our business, we need to match this in our capabilities to ensure the ongoing security of our sensitive data, our people, our customers, and our assets.  That’s where Ocado’s innovative Information Security team comes into play…

About the role:

The IT Vendor Management team are focused on providing Software, Hardware, Services and  business applications which are supported, stable and streamlined to enable Ocado teams to work in a clear, controlled and cost effective manner.

As a Buyer  in the IT department you will be involved in the management of contracts, software subscriptions, maintenance renewals, life cycle planning and costing.

Day-to-day, you’ll need to:

• Maintain a full record of all project purchasing, assigning cost to the correct project budgets 
• Produce a forward schedule of Project requirements on a weekly, monthly and quarterly basis 
• Produce monthly reports to show number of orders placed, contracts renewed and associated information
• Engage with Project Managers, Business and Technical Owners to confirm project requirements and if specification changes are required
• Manage the procurement process with Suppliers to complete on time delivery to meet project timelines 
• Work alongside the IT Vendor Management team to identify savings opportunities for purchases, renewals, software licensing, and support services.  
• Assist IT Procurement / Supplier Relationship Manager(s) in maintaining relationships with Suppliers to maximise value creation and best pricing for Hardware,software licensing, maintenance and service support agreements. 
• Track all licences and Support agreements that are placed so they can be handed across for in-life renewals to the correct teams, including adding details to ServiceNow
• Assist IT Procurement / Supplier Relationship Manager(s) in running any large ITT’s / RFQ’s
• Run small to medium size ITT’s / RFQ’s exercises negotiating & agreeing contract Terms
• Escalate to Line Manager / Finance where necessary
• Liaise with Finance regarding invoice queries
• Provide cover for the Assistant Buyers

Experience:

• Experience providing contract / procurement administration 
• A good understanding of contracts  / procurement process
• An understanding of IT hardware/software and maintenance/ support services 
• Able to prioritise workload against business/project requirements and key customers
• Natural ability to provide high quality customer service
• Experience liaising with external suppliers including B2B

This would make you stand out from the crowd:

• CIPS qualification Level 4 or working towards, an appreciation of ITIL

What we offer you:

Our employee benefits are designed for you, we care about people and we’ve ensured we have a wealth of benefits that focus on your well-being. We regularly review our benefits to ensure we are supporting our employees appropriately. Currently, we offer technically stretching work, a competitive salary and;

• Hybrid working patterns meaning part of the working week can be spent working remotely (typically 3 days per week). However, your working pattern will depend upon your role/team).
• Wellbeing support through Apps such as Unmind and an Employee Assistance Programme.
• 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 days after 5 years service (plus optional holiday purchase).
• Pension scheme (various options available including employer contribution matching up to 7%).
• Private Medical Insurance.
• 22 weeks paid maternity leave and 6 weeks paid paternity leave (once relevant service requirements complete) .
• Train Ticket loan (interest-free).
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Free shuttle bus to and from Hatfield Train Station to the Hatfield offices.
• Free shuttle bus to and from Welwyn Garden City Train Station to the Welwyn Garden City offices.
• Opportunity to participate in Sharesave and Buy as You Earn share schemes.
• 15% discount on Ocado.com and free delivery for all employees.
• Income Protection (can be up to 50% of salary for 3 years) and Life Assurance (3 x annual salary).