Purchasing Manager

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.

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.

To be successful youll 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.

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

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.