Lead Buyer

Job title - Category Lead Buyer - IT
Location – Malvern – UK – Hybrid, or Almelo – NL
Role benefits – Competitive Salary + Bonus + Benefits + holiday (plus public holidays) + Pension Scheme, and more
As the Category Lead Buyer- IT, you will be responsible for developing and executing the global IT commodity strategy in alignment with Malvern Panalytical’s business objectives and overall purchasing strategy.
In this key role, you will collaborate closely with both the Purchasing and IT departments across our global Supply Centres to ensure alignment, consistency, and best practice sharing. By driving synergy and continuous improvement across teams, you’ll enhance overall business value, meet project deadlines, and promote lean, efficient procurement throughout the supply chain.
You will manage the full IT procurement lifecycle, from supplier identification, selection, and approval, through to contract drafting, negotiation, and ongoing supplier relationship management. Your strategic approach and commercial insight will ensure optimal value, compliance, and innovation from our supplier base, while contributing positively at every stage of the procurement process.
Develop and implement the global IT commodity strategy, including risk management, to align with business objectives and ensure value creation through best-practice sharing and global alignment
Manage supplier performance within the IT category, resolving issues effectively and ensuring business continuity and system uptime in close collaboration with IT stakeholders
Ensure compliance by purchasing all IT hardware and software from approved sources, adhering to Spectris and Malvern Panalytical procurement policies and procedures
Drive supplier excellence by selecting high-quality, cost-effective suppliers early in project lifecycles, negotiating contracts, and evaluating supplier performance to identify cost reduction opportunities
Collaborate globally with Spectris and internal teams to align on company-wide implementation of new IT solutions and continuous improvement (CI) initiatives across the supply chain
Lead and develop the global IT category team, setting and reviewing KPIs (risk, delivery, quality, cost reduction, PPV), and supporting the adoption of best-in-class purchasing practices
Conduct supplier audits and manage procurement performance metrics to ensure compliance, efficiency, and ongoing improvement of internal purchasing KPIs
Extensive IT procurement expertise, with at least five years’ experience in IT contracting and managing complex projects, including RFQ/RFP preparation and supplier performance management
Strong commercial acumen with proven negotiation and contracting skills, and a solid understanding of contract law, supplier development, and lean supply techniques
In-depth knowledge of IT infrastructure, cloud technologies, and SaaS/subscription models, with practical experience in working with Enterprise Solution suppliers
Awareness of compliance and governance requirements, including GDPR and data protection standards, ensuring alignment with corporate and legal frameworks
Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to build strong relationships, influence stakeholders, and lead diverse, cross-cultural teams effectively
Relevant qualifications such as CIPS or a degree in a related field are desirable; Lean Six Sigma training and strong IT/data analysis skills are advantageous
Gym discounts
Together we are a powerful and highly complementary combination of market leading technologies.
We are the toolmakers for the world's most innovative companies, academic institutions, and government laboratories. Malvern Panalytical instruments analyze the chemical, physical and structural nature of materials, from proteins to polymers and semiconductors to minerals. Our leading technologies measure particle size, shape, concentration and zeta potential, biomolecular interactions and stability, elemental concentrations and crystallographic structure.
Micromeritics manufactures systems for the characterization of particles, powders, and porous materials for a wide- range of end markets including catalysts, chemicals, building materials, clean-tech and battery. Part of Spectris plc, a publicly traded FTSE 250 company, Spectris combines precision with purpose, delivering progress for a more sustainable world. Precision is at the heart of what we do – our leading, high-tech instruments and software equip our customers to solve some of their greatest challenges to make the world cleaner, healthier and more productive.
it takes a wide collection of experiences, stories, knowledge, and expertise. Although we always select the most qualified applicant for each role and make all decisions without regard to race, sex, age, or any other protected class, we are an inclusive, equal opportunity organization that prizes diversity.