Purchasing Manager

Job Description:

Purchasing Manager

My client have been a trusted partner for global food brands, helping them make a lasting impression on today’s food lovers. Specialising in bespoke ingredients and menu solutions, we bring bold and creative flavours to the table. From major foodservice brands to food manufacturers and recipe kit providers, we collaborate to inspire, innovate, and deliver high-quality ingredients for on-trend dishes.

We believe that great ideas can come from anywhere within the business. That’s why we nurture a collaborative, open, and diverse environment for both our teams and our customers. Respect, integrity, and mutual support are at the heart of our culture, creating a workplace where everyone can learn, grow, and thrive together. Joining our organisation means becoming part of a community that celebrates its workforce, with regular food events, staff recognition, and a commitment to rewarding dedication and hard work while producing outstanding products.

Purchasing Manager Key Responsibilities

• Supplier Management: Identify, assess and build strong working relationships with reliable suppliers for raw materials, packaging and other goods required for production.
• Purchasing Strategy: Develop and implement effective purchasing strategies to ensure timely access to high-quality materials at competitive prices.
• Inventory Management: Oversee stock levels of raw materials and packaging to maintain optimal availability, preventing production delays whilst minimising excess stock and waste.
• Contract Negotiation: Negotiate contracts, pricing and commercial terms with suppliers to secure favourable agreements and cost efficiencies.
• Quality Assurance: Work closely with the technical team to ensure all purchased materials comply with food safety standards, quality requirements and relevant regulations.
• Forecasting & Budget Management: Collaborate with production and finance teams to forecast material requirements in line with production plans and manage purchasing within agreed budgets.
• Supply Chain Coordination: Ensure the timely delivery of materials to avoid disruption to production and proactively resolve any supply chain issues.
• Compliance: Ensure all purchasing activities comply with company policies, industry standards and UK regulations relating to food safety, labelling and sustainability.
• Reporting & Analysis: Prepare regular reports on purchasing performance, supplier effectiveness and cost savings for senior management review.
• Team Leadership: Lead, coach and develop the purchasing team, driving efficiency and continuous improvement in procurement practices.

Purchasing Manager's Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Food Science or a related discipline (or equivalent professional experience).
• Experience: A minimum of three years’ experience in purchasing or procurement, ideally within the fresh produce or vegetable sector.

Purchasing Manager's Skills & Competencies

• Strong negotiation and contract management skills
• Experience managing seasonality within product supply, Sound knowledge of food safety regulations, quality standards and sourcing strategies
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and purchasing systems & Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience using inventory management systems and ERP software & Professional certification in procurement or supply chain management (e.g. CPSM, CSCP)

Purchasing Manager's Benefits

• Competitive salary of £55k, Supportive management team with an open-door policy, 8% contributory pension scheme (5% employee contribution), 28 days’ annual leave including Bank Holidays, Access to an Employee Assistance Programme, Access to a retail discounts platform for high street stores, Regular team lunches, Christmas hampers and team-building events, Opportunities for professional development through recognised training courses, Clear progression opportunities with a promote-from-within culture & Convenient access to public transport (bus and tram); limited on-site parking available

Due to high volumes of applications, we cannot respond to every applicant. If you do not hear from us within 48 hours, please consider your application unsuccessful for this role, but your details will be kept on file for future opportunities.

We are an equal opportunities agency and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

We are acting on behalf of our client as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.