Job Description

Elior – A Workplace That Works for You
Elior UK is one of the country's leading contract catering and support services businesses, delivering food and facilities services across education, healthcare, business & industry, and stadia. We're looking for an experienced Indirects Buyer to join our Category team and help drive value, innovation, and sustainability across a broad portfolio of indirect spend.
You'll take ownership of sourcing strategy, supplier management, and category performance across your allocated indirect categories, balancing cost, quality, service, risk, and sustainability at every stage.
This is a genuinely varied role. Elior operates a devolved business structure, where our sectors and sites hold their own budgets and make their own final calls. That means your day-to-day will shift between two modes: on some projects, you'll lead end-to-end, with full ownership of strategy and supplier selection; on others, you'll work as a trusted advisor, shaping outcomes through expertise and relationships rather than direct authority.
If you enjoy variety, know how to build influence without needing to hold the budget, and are comfortable setting clear expectations with stakeholders from the outset, this role will suit you well.

What you'll be doing...
• Lead category management activity, market analysis, supplier mapping, risk assessment, and strategy development
• Design sourcing strategies and run tenders, benchmarking, and supplier selection in line with company policy
• Negotiate contracts and commercial terms that secure competitive pricing and long-term value
• Build strong supplier partnerships and run structured performance reviews
• Partner with stakeholders across the business, agreeing decision rights up front and adapting between leading and advising as each project requires
• Embed sustainability, ESG, and ethical sourcing into category strategy
• Use data and procurement systems to track savings, spend, and supplier performance
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday | 9am till 5:30pm | Hybrid working
Job ID: 7441
What can you bring?
Essential
• Proven experience as a Buyer (3 years minimum)
• Significant experience within Indirects category procurement, across a variety of spend areas
• A track record of working effectively in a devolved or matrix organisation — equally confident leading with full authority and influencing without it
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and stakeholder influencing skills
• Excellent analytical and commercial acumen
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities at once, and to stay resilient and constructive when navigating ambiguity
Desirable
• Degree and/or CIPS qualification (or working towards)
• Experience embedding sustainability and ESG into procurement strategy
• Exposure to digital procurement tools, spend analytics, or contract lifecycle management systems
• Experience in a multi-site, multi-sector services business (e.g. contract catering or facilities management)

Brilliant Work Deserves Brilliant Perks!
At Elior, we believe that when you love where you work, it shows. That’s why we make sure our team feels appreciated, supported, and set up for success! Here’s what’s waiting for you:
• Free, tasty meals - Enjoy tasty, nutritious food on us while you work!
• Flexible working - including part time roles, because life doesn’t run on a 9-5 schedule.
• Plenty of Time to Unwind - generous holiday allowance of 33 days, with the option to buy more.
• Leave for life’s important moments - whether family, personal or unexpected.
• Give back time - paid volunteering days for the causes you care about.
• Room to grow - career development and learning opportunities for all stages of your career.
• Wellbeing first - mental health support and wellbeing perks.
• Financial security - pension schemes and life assurance.
• Exclusive discounts - save on entertainment, leisure, and even travel!
One small thing - we welcome you to apply using the name you feel most comfortable with! No need for legal names at this stage.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
We’re a people-first business with over 10,000 colleagues across the UK, serving everything from stadiums to hospitals, schools to workplaces. Our mission? To enrich lives everywhere, every day.
And here’s the best part - 87% of our team say they’re proud to work here! Why? Because we create a place where you’re listened to, trusted, supported, and valued.
Not sure you match every single requirement? Apply anyway! Research shows that many people - especially women and those from underrepresented backgrounds - hold back unless they meet 100% of the criteria. But we hire for potential, not just experience. If you’re passionate and ready to grow, we want to hear from you!
We Celebrate You!
At Elior, diversity and inclusion aren’t just policies, they’re who we are. We know that different perspectives make us stronger, and we’re dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.
Need any support or adjustments during the application process? Just let us know - we’re happy to help!
Ready to join us? Hit ‘Apply Now’ and let’s chat!