Purchasing Manager

Job Description

Purchasing Manager (Mandarin Speaking)

About the Opportunity

An established and growing food manufacturing business is looking to appoint an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead its procurement function. This is a strategic leadership role with responsibility for purchasing operations, supplier management, commercial negotiations and supply chain performance.

Working closely with the senior leadership team, you will play a key role in driving purchasing strategy, improving supplier performance, identifying cost-saving opportunities and ensuring a reliable supply of products to support continued business growth.

The Role

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing the Purchasing team, providing coaching, structure and performance management.
• Creating and implementing procurement strategies that improve profitability and operational efficiency.
• Managing the end-to-end purchasing process, including sourcing, supplier selection, contract negotiation and purchasing performance.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with UK and international suppliers.
• Negotiating commercial agreements, pricing, payment terms, lead times and service levels.
• Monitoring supplier performance and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Researching market trends and sourcing new products to support business growth.
• Working cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, Technical and Finance teams on product launches and commercial initiatives.
• Managing purchasing budgets, analysing spend and delivering cost-saving initiatives.
• Supporting inventory optimisation while maintaining excellent product availability.
• Producing purchasing reports and commercial recommendations for senior management.

About You

To be successful, you'll have:

• Previous experience in a Senior Purchasing Manager, Purchasing Manager or Procurement Manager position.
• At least seven years' purchasing or procurement experience.
• A proven track record of negotiating with suppliers and managing commercial agreements.
• Experience leading, mentoring and developing purchasing teams.
• Excellent commercial awareness, negotiation and analytical skills.
• Strong organisational and stakeholder management abilities.
• Confidence working within a fast-paced food or FMCG environment.

Experience in any of the following would be advantageous:

• Food Manufacturing
• FMCG
• Food Import & Export
• Food Distribution or Wholesale
• Experience sourcing products internationally, particularly across Asian markets

Skills & Qualifications

Essential :

• Fluent Mandarin (spoken and written)
• Fluent English (spoken and written)

Desirable :

• International sourcing and procurement experience.
• Knowledge of import/export procedures and global logistics.
• Understanding of supplier compliance and food safety standards.
• Experience using ERP or purchasing systems.
• Strong Excel and data analysis skills.

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