Group Leader, Direct Purchasing

The Opportunity 

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced procurement leader to take on a critical role within Bosch Rexroth UK. Following a period of change you will be responsible for rebuilding and leading our UK-wide direct purchasing function with focus on the Product Class Industrial Power Units and Manifolds. 

You will have the autonomy to shape the team refine our strategy and make a significant and immediate impact on the business. We are seeking a proactive and resilient leader who can provide stability direction and a clear vision for the future of our engineering procurement activities. 

Core Responsibilities 

Leadership & Team Development 

• Provide full functional and disciplinary leadership for a team of direct purchasing and logistics personnel including an intern. 

• Lead mentor and develop the team promoting a culture of high performance continuous improvement and professional growth. 

• Act as the key purchasing account lead for the DCFI function. 

Strategic Supplier & Stakeholder Management 

• Develop and manage the strategic supplier base identifying and qualifying new local suppliers negotiating supply agreements and agreeing on key terms (incoterms payment terms volume rebates). 

• Lead annual supplier assessments in collaboration with Quality and Logistics monitoring performance on delivery quality and pricing to ensure optimal service levels are achieved. 

• Conduct supplier audits with Quality Management and visit suppliers to proactively resolve issues and identify opportunities for performance improvement. 

• Ensure all necessary legal and compliance documentation such as framework agreements and NDAs are in place. 

• Build and maintain effective networks with internal stakeholders (Engineering Sales Production and Quality) ensuring procurement is a key partner in project planning and execution. 

Commercial & Project Management 

• Lead annual price negotiations with local suppliers aligning with the material field specialist (MFS) strategy to deliver on cost-reduction targets. 

• Drive cost savings by renegotiating supplier offers generating CSR II savings and ensuring materials are bought at the most competitive price. 

• Oversee the end-to-end quotation process: manage RFQs analyse quotes using comparison tools (COQ) and make strategic sourcing recommendations. 

• Participate actively in project meetings with internal and external customers identifying measures to reduce costs and delivery timescales before the technical specification is finalised. 

Operational Excellence & Compliance 

• Take full responsibility for the implementation of and compliance with all local and regional purchasing strategies and processes. 

• Oversee the end-to-end operational procurement and logistics cycle from placing purchase orders through to final delivery including the active management of supplier delivery performance and material creation. 

• Manage all purchasing and logistics data within SAP ensuring the accuracy of material master data source lists and pricing information. 

• Lead the resolution of all invoicing queries including blocked invoices to ensure timely and accurate payment processing. 

• Manage the monthly MCR/CSR data verification and reporting process. 

• Ensure all purchasing decisions are fully documented in accordance with company guidelines maintaining comprehensive files for all supplier and transaction data. 

• Identify and drive opportunities for process improvements within Purchasing and Logistics utilising continuous improvement (CIP) methodologies. 

Qualifications :

Candidate Profile 

Essential Experience & Skills 

• Proven experience in a senior purchasing or materials management role ideally within a technical or manufacturing environment. 

• Demonstrable experience in leading and developing a team. 

• A proactive and results-driven leadership style with the ability to perform effectively under pressure and navigate business challenges. 

• Excellent relationship management and negotiation skills with a track record of managing key internal and external stakeholders. 

• Strong commercial acumen and experience working effectively across multiple business functions. 

Desirable Attributes 

• A relevant business or technical qualification (e.g. CIPS Degree in Business or Engineering). 

• Prior experience with SAP. 

• Excellent skills in MS-Office Experience with Power-BI and AI-Tools. 

• A flexible working style and a willingness to travel for supplier visits project meetings and regional conferences as required. 

Additional Information :

We offer a competitive package including;

• Competitive salary
• Excellent Career Development Opportunities
• First class training and support
• Benefits: 26 days holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing to 30 days with service generous Pension Life Assurance Staff discounts Employee Assistance Programme.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time