Purchasing Manager

Purchasing Manager - Retail

Location: Bagshot, Surrey
Salary: £60,000-£65,000 DOE
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Hours: Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week
Working Pattern: Flexible start times, with core hours of 9:30am-3:00pm

The Opportunity

We are recruiting for an experienced Purchasing Manager to join a successful, well-established retail business based in Bagshot, Surrey.

This is a newly created leadership position offering an excellent opportunity for an experienced Purchasing Manager, Procurement Manager or Buying Manager looking for greater responsibility, autonomy and the opportunity to make a genuine impact.

You will take responsibility for leading and developing an established team of seven buyers, working closely with the Company Directors to introduce greater structure, improve purchasing processes, develop procurement strategies and drive commercial performance across the business.

This is a varied and influential role combining strategic purchasing leadership with hands-on involvement in supplier negotiations, buying decisions, cost management and commercial planning.

We are looking for someone who can bring strong leadership, organisation and commercial awareness to an established team, with the confidence to implement improvements, develop people and contribute to the continued success of the business.

Key Responsibilities

Lead, manage and develop an established team of seven buyers, providing day-to-day guidance, support and leadership.
Introduce clear departmental structures, processes, KPIs and performance objectives to improve efficiency and accountability.
Work closely with Company Directors and senior management, acting as the main liaison between the purchasing function and wider business.
Monitor team performance, conduct annual reviews and support the ongoing development of the purchasing team.
Develop and implement purchasing and procurement strategies aligned with wider commercial objectives.
Oversee the end-to-end purchasing and procurement process, ensuring efficiency, consistency and commercial value.
Analyse purchasing trends, trading performance, supplier costs and market opportunities to support informed commercial decisions.
Negotiate with suppliers, review commercial terms and identify opportunities to improve margins, reduce costs and maximise value.
Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, manufacturers and brand representatives.
Support annual purchasing plans, budgets, departmental objectives and ongoing commercial planning.
Identify opportunities to streamline purchasing processes, improve supplier performance and strengthen internal procedures.
Remain hands-on within the purchasing function, supporting the team with buying activities and covering responsibilities when required.
Drive continuous improvement, accountability and best practice across the department.

About You

We are looking for a commercially minded Purchasing Manager or Procurement Manager with strong leadership skills and the ability to bring structure, organisation and fresh ideas to an established team.

Ideally, you will have:

At least five years' experience within purchasing, procurement, buying or category management.
Previous experience managing, supervising or mentoring a purchasing, procurement or buying team.
Experience developing purchasing strategies, improving processes and introducing performance measures.
Strong commercial awareness, with the ability to analyse supplier costs, pricing, budgets, trading performance and margins.
Experience managing the full purchasing and procurement lifecycle, including sourcing, negotiation, supplier management and purchasing decisions.
A proven ability to negotiate effectively with suppliers and identify opportunities for cost savings and improved commercial terms.
Experience introducing structure, processes and accountability within a purchasing or procurement function.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with confidence working alongside Directors and senior stakeholders.
A proactive, organised and hands-on approach to leadership.
Strong analytical, financial and problem-solving abilities.
Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work to deadlines.
Good Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
A relevant qualification in Business Management, Supply Chain Management, Retail Management or CIPS would be advantageous.

Experience within a retail, wholesale, distribution or product-focused purchasing environment would be particularly beneficial, although candidates from other commercially focused purchasing and procurement backgrounds will also be considered.

Above all, we are looking for someone who is confident leading a team, improving processes and taking ownership of a purchasing function while maintaining a practical, hands-on approach.

Salary & Benefits

Competitive salary of £60,000-£65,000 depending on experience.
Permanent, full-time position.
40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
Flexible start times, with core working hours of 9:30am-3:00pm.
Free onsite parking.
15% staff discount, increasing to 20% after five years' service.
29 days' annual leave including bank holidays, increasing with length of service.
Company pension scheme.
Training and development opportunities.
Opportunity to shape a newly created leadership position within an established and growing business.
Direct involvement with Company Directors and the autonomy to influence purchasing strategy, processes and commercial performance.

About the Business

Our client is a successful, family-run retail organisation with an established presence across the South East of England.

With six stores and over 700 employees, the business continues to grow while maintaining its commitment to quality, customer service and strong family values.

The successful candidate will play an important role in developing the purchasing function, supporting an experienced team and introducing improvements that contribute to the company's continued commercial success.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Full job description from WhatJobs. Apply for this role →