Working hours: Minimum 35 hours per week (working a minimum of 40% across each month in the Territorial Headquarters, London, SE5 8FJ) With occasional UK travel
Interview Date: To be confirmed
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Operational Buyer to support procurement activities across The Salvation Army UK and Ireland. This is an excellent opportunity to help deliver efficient, compliant, and value-driven procurement services that support our mission and communities.
As an Operational Buyer, you will manage day-to-day procurement activities, working closely with stakeholders, suppliers, and colleagues across Finance and Procurement. You will ensure purchasing processes run smoothly, deliver value for money, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
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Manage supplier relationships to ensure quality, service, and value.
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Review and process purchase requisitions, purchase orders, and supplier onboarding requests.
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Negotiate pricing, discounts, and commercial terms to achieve savings.
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Provide procurement advice and support to internal stakeholders.
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Resolve purchasing, invoicing, and payment queries.
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Monitor procurement activity, analyse spend data, and produce reports.
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Support procurement systems, training, and compliance initiatives.
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Promote best practice procurement across the organisation.
The successful candidate will have:
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Proven procurement or purchasing experience within a large organisation.
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Experience delivering cost savings and value improvements.
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Strong understanding of Purchase-to-Pay (P2P) processes.
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CIPS Level 3 qualification (or higher).
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Experience using procurement systems such as Unit4, SAP, or similar.
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Strong analytical and reporting skills, including advanced Excel.
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Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
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Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
What We Offer
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Hybrid and agile working (min 2 days a week in the office).
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Supportive and collaborative team environment.
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Professional development opportunities.
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The chance to contribute to an organisation that supports vulnerable people and communities across the UK and Ireland.
In order to complete your application please download and read the job profile and any other attachments.
In the job profile you will find the criteria required for the role please make sure that you address this in your supporting statement as this forms the basis of our shortlisting.
Appointment will be subject to satisfactory references, a criminal record check, relevant qualifications and evidence of your Right to Work in the UK in line with Home Office requirements.
As we are not a licensed sponsor, applicants must already have the right to work in the UK. Details on how to prove your Right to Work can be found here.
The Salvation Army actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential, and we welcome applications from a wide range of candidates, including those with criminal records.
Please note that any Salvation Army employees who are under notice of redundancy and apply for this position will be given priority consideration.
We reserve the right to close this advert earlier if we feel that we have received sufficient applications.
Promoting equality in the workplace and as a disability confident leader scheme employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet all the minimum essential criteria for the vacancy.
