Assistant Buyer

At Cadent we’re excited to be part of the future of UK energy We’ve got a clear roadmap that will drive our performance to the forefront of our industry and support the UK government in achieving its net zero targets by 2050.

We’re making a difference through innovation and new ways of working. Together we’re shaping a cleaner, greener future for our 11 million customers whom we put at the heart of everything we do.

We have an exciting, new opportunity for an Associate to join our Procurement and Supply Chain team.

As an Associate Buyer you will be assisting in procurement operations supporting the Senior Buyer and / or Buyer in identifying future opportunities to drive commercial value through sourcing and ongoing contract management activities. With support you will also be responsible for the execution of sourcing (primarily mini tender and call off activity) and contract management activity, working with stakeholders to understand requirements and expedite those through the procurement and contract management processes

You will also be the point of expertise for the transactional procurement processes providing support and guidance to ensure that the procurement systems operate effectively, data is up to date and issues are resolved and assist in the development and delivery of portfolio and sourcing strategies for contracts up to an agreed value.

Additionally you will also review contract payments and claims in line with contract terms and undertake benchmarking to ensure Cadent’s arrangements and Contractor costs remain competitive.

**What you'll get to work on**:

- Supporting the profiling of supply chains through supplier research and market trends to assess future contract risks and opportunities
- Enabling value by supporting and leading aspect of tendering process, in order to meet Cadent’s needs
- Assisting the proactive management of contracts, by analysing performance and supporting the resolution of contract issues
- Ensuring compliance with sourcing and contract management frameworks, as appropriate
- Aiding the resolution of contract performance issues and putting in place plans to resolve
- Supporting supplier relationship management and contract relationship management activities and monitoring supplier service level and cost performance through KPIs
- Analysing and forecasting inventory levels and manages stock obsolescence, where appropriate and supporting cost and commercial control processes across Cadent activities for contracts up to an agreed value
- Central point of expertise relating to the management and operation of procurement systems (Ariba), including data management and issue resolution.

**Who are we looking for**:
**Qualifications**:

- Relevant commercial / procurement experience
- Valid UK Driving Licence holder.

Practical Experience
- Experience of sourcing and other procurement activities (contract management experience, understanding of cost management and commercial principles, leading supplier meetings including negotiations etc.)
- Confident in analysing and presenting data to inform sourcing / contract decisions
- Experience in supporting process improvements to improve the customer experience
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- An understanding of EU and Utility Procurement Directives ideally supported by evidence of running a competitive compliant tender process
- Able to build effective relationships both internally and/or with external organisations

**What’s In It For You**

Here at Cadent, we are committed to supporting our employees to get the best out of themselves. For this role in particular we can offer:

- Funding and support towards completing qualifications
- Ample opportunity for progression within the business
- Mentoring and guidance opportunities

**Why Join Us**

We offer a host of benefits to suit your lifestyle and support your well-being. These include:

- Annual bonus
- Pension Scheme double matched up to a total of 18% of salary (i.e., employee contributions of up to 6%, double matched by a Cadent contribution of up to 12%)
- 25 days holiday, plus statutory days, and an option to buy more
- Fantastic career development prospects with funded learning options, including support with exams, and internal and external learning and development
- Strong focus on supporting you as an individual including:

- Flexible working
- Strong commitments to ED&I
- Generous family provision policies
- Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme, salary sacrifice car scheme, insurance, and healthcare packages, plus much more
- My Offers membership card - offering discounts and savings from hundreds of retailers
- 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Free gym access at the Ansty office, as well as a ‘Gympass’ scheme providing free or heavily subsidised local gym memberships

We want our employees to achieve a healthy work-life balance and are happy to discuss flexible working options with you if the role can accom