Head of Purchasing

Head of Purchasing

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Purchasing Manager, Procurement Manager, Head of Procurement or Supply Chain Manager looking to take the next step in their career and have a genuine influence on purchasing strategy and business performance.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will take overall responsibility for the purchasing function, developing and delivering an effective purchasing strategy that supports business performance, cost control, quality, delivery and continued growth.

This is a key senior position, working closely with colleagues across the organisation and playing an important role in developing strong supplier relationships, improving processes and ensuring the business operates with an efficient and resilient supply chain.

Benefits

• Salary: 50 to 55k DOE
• Location: Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
• Sector: Manufacturing
• Hours: Full Time Monday to Friday
• Contract: Permanent

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the purchasing function.
• Develop and implement purchasing and supply chain strategies.
• Manage supplier selection, development and performance.
• Lead commercial negotiations with suppliers.
• Identify and deliver cost-saving and efficiency opportunities.
• Manage supplier relationships and ensure agreed quality, cost and delivery standards are achieved.
• Oversee purchasing systems and processes, including inventory control.
• Optimise stock levels and support effective business planning.
• Identify and manage supply chain risks.
• Work closely with internal departments to ensure purchasing activity supports business requirements.
• Monitor and report on purchasing KPIs, supplier performance, costs and inventory.
• Support budget management and purchasing governance.
• Drive continuous improvement across the purchasing function.

About You

We are looking for an experienced purchasing or procurement professional with a strong commercial background and proven leadership experience.

You will ideally have:

• Previous experience in a senior purchasing, procurement or supply chain management role.
• Strong experience of supplier negotiation and commercial management.
• Experience of strategic sourcing and supplier development.
• Good knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and inventory control.
• The ability to analyse data and deliver measurable cost and process improvements.
• Strong leadership, communication and influencing skills.
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• A proactive approach with a strong focus on continuous improvement.
• Good Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel and Word.
• A relevant procurement or purchasing qualification, such as CIPS, is desirable, although significant relevant experience will be equally considered.