At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and develop competitive product ranges while managing supplier relationships.
- Company: Join Advanced Total Supplies, a growing company in the procurement sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced business supporting charities and local authorities.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2 years in Buying or Purchasing with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Mon-Fri, 40 hours per week with at least 3 out of 5 days based in our Rugby office. Candidates must live within a reasonable travel time to Rugby and understand the role is partially office based. They must have previous Purchasing experience and experience in Supplier Management and negotiation.
Company Overview: Advanced Total Supplies is part of the AHG Group of companies providing procurement and fulfilment services primarily to the charitable sector, local authorities and housing associations throughout the UK. Following a period of significant growth and continued expansion plans, this is an exciting opportunity to join a fast-paced and evolving business.
Purpose of the Role: To source and develop commercially competitive product ranges that support the Company’s trading objectives, customer requirements, margin expectations, and supply chain efficiencies. Working closely with Sales, Purchasing, Logistics, Marketing, and Suppliers, the Trading Manager will ensure the business maintains a relevant, competitive, and commercially successful product offering across white goods, furniture, and everyday household products.
Main Duties:
- Work closely with the Sales Team to understand customer requirements, develop commercially competitive product ranges, and support pricing strategies aligned to business targets.
- Continuously review market trends, customer demand, and sector changes to ensure the product offering remains competitive and commercially relevant.
- Develop and maintain balanced product ranges that provide customers with clear choice, value, availability, and targeted margin performance across all key categories.
- Monitor margin performance and commercial KPIs to ensure products and suppliers deliver against agreed business objectives.
- Source products through market research, industry knowledge, supplier relationships, trade events, and competitor analysis.
- Negotiate pricing, trading terms, and supply agreements to achieve margin and service targets while ensuring products meet legal, safety, and sustainability standards.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, acting as the primary day-to-day contact for nominated suppliers.
- Attend supplier meetings, trade shows, and industry events in the UK and overseas where required.
- Work with suppliers, customers, and internal sales data to develop accurate forecasts and maintain stock availability.
- Liaise with the Purchasing Team to ensure ERP systems and product data remain accurate and up to date.
- Provide Purchasing Assistants with all relevant product setup information and ordering requirements to support efficient operational delivery.
- Work closely with Logistics to support stock planning and inbound forecasting requirements.
- Provide Marketing with accurate product information and collateral to support websites, portals, brochures, and customer communications.
- Support Finance by ensuring supplier terms, pricing structures, and commercial agreements are maintained accurately.
- Support customer and supplier meetings where required and provide accurate pricing, product data, and imagery for promotional activity.
Skills Required:
- Essential: Minimum 2 years experience within a Buying, Trading, or Purchasing role.
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to understand customer and business requirements.
- Experience managing supplier relationships and negotiating pricing and commercial terms.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with both internal and external stakeholders with a professional and positive attitude.
- Demonstrable organisational, prioritisation, and problem-solving abilities.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and ERP/business systems.
- Ability to work well with others and build rapport with colleagues and customers.
Skills Required - Desirable:
- Experience within white goods, furniture, household products, or FMCG sectors.
- Experience working within an SME or fast-paced trading environment.
- Knowledge of stock forecasting, supply chain processes, and product compliance requirements.
The above is not an exhaustive list of duties and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your changing role within the organisation and the overall business objectives of the organisation.
Purchasing Manager in London employer: Advanced Total Supplies Ltd
As a Purchasing Manager at our Rugby office, you will join a dynamic team that values collaboration and innovation. We offer a supportive work culture with opportunities for professional growth, competitive benefits, and a commitment to work-life balance, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in procurement.
Contact Details:
Advanced Total Supplies Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Manager in London
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Advanced Total Supplies Ltd.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Advanced Total Supplies Ltd:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Advanced Total Supplies Ltd. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Advanced Total Supplies Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Advanced Total Supplies Ltd
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Advanced Total Supplies Ltd!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Advanced Total Supplies Ltd. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Advanced Total Supplies Ltd's culture.