Purchasing Manager

Purchasing Manager
Bedfordshire Permanent
£60,000 - £70,000 (depending on experience) plus bonus

Lead a high-impact procurement function within a growing, multi-division organisation.

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Purchasing Manager to take ownership of group-wide purchasing strategy across multiple UK sites. Reporting to the Operations & Supply Chain Director, this is a pivotal leadership role focused on optimising supply chain performance, developing supplier partnerships, and driving efficiencies across multiple operational divisions.

You'll lead and develop a capable purchasing team, foster positive morale, and shape procurement processes that enhance stock availability, reduce costs, and support strategic business goals. This is a highly visible role where structured, data-led decision making and a collaborative leadership style are essential.

Key Responsibilities
• Lead and execute a unified purchasing strategy across all divisions.
• Inspire and build a cohesive team culture with a focus on engagement, accountability, and results.
• Develop strong relationships with UK and international suppliers and freight providers.
• Negotiate advantageous commercial terms to ensure value, quality, and service excellence.
• Lead and coach a high-performing procurement team, setting and tracking meaningful KPIs.
• Improve demand forecasting and supply scheduling using structured MRP planning.
• Monitor supplier performance and ensure compliance with relevant quality standards.
• Drive and support procurement-related projects, contributing to wider business improvement goals.
• Identify and mitigate risks across the end-to-end supply chain.
• Own and enhance procurement processes and systems to maximise efficiency.
• Promote lean tools and structured ways of working to deliver measurable progress.

About You
• A seasoned procurement or purchasing professional from an engineering or product-based environment - ideally with exposure to lean tools and principles.
• Strong leadership capabilities with a track record of building, motivating, and developing teams.
• Proven background in sourcing, supplier management, and inventory control.
• Demonstrable experience in MRP systems and project management within a structured environment.
• Skilled in setting, tracking, and using KPIs to measure team and supplier performance.
• Analytical and commercially focused, with a process-driven approach.
• Excellent communicator with the confidence to influence both internally and externally.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 and other relevant quality frameworks.
• A relevant qualification such as CIPS or a degree in supply chain, logistics, or business (desirable).

Location & Hours
• Based in Bedfordshire
• Full-time Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm

Ready to lead, influence, and transform procurement across a dynamic, multi-site business?
Please send your CV in MS Word format to be considered.