IT Procurement Associate

CVS Group plc is an AIM listed, international integrated veterinary services provider which delivers to clients through four business areas; our veterinary practices, diagnostic laboratories, pet crematoria and e-commerce division. Our success is derived from the passion our people have for animals and for making pets a priority; it's what is at the heart of our work, every day.

The Group generates revenue of more than £500m from over 500 practices across 2 countries, with more than 8,000 employees including vets, nurses, other clinical colleagues and a range of central support services colleagues. 

Summary of role:

Responsible for managing and overseeing the purchasing of IT equipment, software, and services for CVS. Work closely with vendors, negotiate contracts, and ensure that the procured IT resources meet the organization's needs. Direct responsibility for achieving year on year external expenditure cost savings and service level improvements.

Assist with maintaining contract repository, and other projects, including procuring and negotiating non-clinical goods/services. Reports to the Non-Clinical Procurement Manager and works closely with the IT Director and other team members as necessary.

Key Responsibilities:

IT Procurement

• Liaise with stakeholders across clinical and non-clinical teams to gather and refine IT requirements
• Manage key IT procurement projects; develop procurement plans, develop specifications with IT team, identify key suppliers, tender, evaluate, and negotiate contracts, SLAs, licensing terms and pricing with suppliers to ensure best value and risk mitigation
• Facilitate the planning and coordination of equipment delivery, installations, upgrades, and changes
• Track IT procurement activity and report on supplier performance, spend, and contract expirations
• Participate in IT and procurement team meetings to support wider project planning
• Research and identify new and existing vendors and suppliers (hardware, software, telecoms, managed services etc)
• Support the IT Director in budgeting and forecasting of IT spend
• Collaborate with IT teams to ensure software and hardware needs are met
• Monitor IT vendor SLAs, license usage, and renewal dates to ensure continuity of service
• Keep up to date with emerging technologies, licensing models, and IT procurement best practices to make informed purchasing decisions

Procurement - General

• Provide support for the non-clinical purchasing and procurement needs, including assisting with the procurement inbox and assisting or leading with other key procurement projects
• Ensure all purchases comply with internal policies, security standards, and data protection requirements
• Ensure that procured items are delivered on time and meet the specified quality standards
• Handle any issues or problems that arise with orders or suppliers
• Maintain and manage relationships with suppliers
• Maintain a central repository of procurement documentation, including contracts, licenses, and warranties

Contract repository

• Support and maintain the contract database

Experience and Skills Required:

• IT procurement experience required
• CIPS Level 4 (or actively studying toward it) is preferred
• Experience managing or supporting multi-vendor procurement environments is preferred
• Familiarity with software licensing models (e.g., Microsoft 365, antivirus, practice management systems)
• Understanding of data security, compliance, and IT procurement regulations
• Ability to multi- task, prioritise and manage time effectively and efficiently
• Results driven whilst not losing sight of the business needs
• People person with excellent listening and interpersonal/communication skills
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Able to work under pressure and at the same time prioritise workloads
• Problem analysis and problem-solving
• Proficient with Microsoft packages, especially Excel
• Experience with Gatekeeper a plus

Alongside a salary of up to £35,000 - £40,000 DOE, we are offering benefits including; 6.6 weeks holiday, buy/sell holiday scheme, 1 day extra holiday per year up to 5 years, pension scheme - matched up to 6%, health cash plans, enhanced, maternity/paternity/adoption leave, generous staff discount on pet care and products.

CVS is committed to being a fully inclusive place to work where all our colleagues are encouraged and supported to be themselves, where difference is celebrated and where everyone feels able to deliver their best. We are also determined to build a workforce that is more representative of our diverse communities and the people we provide our services to.