At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead purchasing strategies and manage supplier relationships to drive business growth.
- Company: Join BGA, a dynamic automotive parts manufacturer committed to excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free parking, 28 days holiday, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a fast-growing international company with strategic leadership.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 68231 £ per year.
About us: BGA is a dynamic and rapidly growing automotive parts manufacturing and distribution company committed to delivering excellence in product and service. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, we are at the forefront of our industry, driving positive change and shaping the future. Our team is comprised of talented individuals who are passionate about what they do and dedicated to achieving success together.
Position Overview: We are seeking a highly experienced and commercially focused Head of Purchasing to lead our purchasing function and play a key role in supporting BGA's continued growth. This senior leadership position will be responsible for developing and executing purchasing strategies, managing supplier relationships, optimising inventory investment, and driving cost-effective procurement across our global supply base. The successful candidate will work closely with Supply Chain, Product Management, Finance, and Operations teams to ensure product availability, improve supplier performance, and support the delivery of business objectives.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage the purchasing function to support business growth and operational excellence.
- Develop and implement purchasing strategies that optimise cost, quality, service, and availability.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with global suppliers, negotiating favourable commercial agreements and supply terms.
- Manage supplier performance through regular reviews, KPI monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate with Supply Chain and Planning teams to ensure effective inventory management and stock availability.
- Identify opportunities for cost reduction, process improvements, and supply chain efficiencies.
- Monitor market trends, supplier developments, and industry risks to support informed purchasing decisions.
- Ensure purchasing activities comply with company policies, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Support new product introductions and range expansion projects through effective supplier engagement and sourcing strategies.
- Lead, develop, and mentor the purchasing team, fostering a high-performance culture focused on accountability and continuous improvement.
About You:
- Proven senior-level purchasing, procurement, or supply chain leadership experience within automotive, manufacturing, engineering, or distribution sectors.
- Strong commercial acumen with extensive experience negotiating supplier contracts and managing strategic supplier relationships.
- Demonstrated success delivering cost-saving initiatives and purchasing efficiencies.
- Excellent understanding of inventory management, forecasting, and supply chain best practices.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
- Experience working with ERP/MRP systems and purchasing management tools.
- Outstanding communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
- Proactive, results-oriented, and able to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Professional procurement qualifications and/or degree-level education in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, or a related discipline would be advantageous.
Why Join Us:
- Opportunity to make a significant impact in a fast-growing international company.
- Strategic leadership role with visibility across the business.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Collaborative and supportive work environment.
- Opportunity to shape purchasing strategy and influence business performance.
- Ongoing professional development and career growth opportunities.
Benefits:
- Free onsite parking
- Workplace pension
- 28 days holiday including bank holidays
- Additional holiday entitlement linked to long service
- Free tea and coffee
- Employee development opportunities
If you are a commercially minded procurement leader with a passion for building strong supplier partnerships, driving operational excellence, and delivering measurable business value, we would love to hear from you.
Head of Purchasing in Swindon employer: BG Automotive Ltd
BGA is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment, where employees are empowered to make a significant impact in the fast-growing automotive parts industry. With a strong focus on professional development, competitive benefits, and a culture of innovation, BGA provides its team members with the opportunity to shape purchasing strategies and drive business performance while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that values accountability and continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Purchasing in Swindon
✨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 BG Automotive 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 Head of Purchasing in Swindon
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 BG Automotive Ltd:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to BG Automotive 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 BG Automotive Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at BG Automotive 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 BG Automotive 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 BG Automotive 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 BG Automotive Ltd's culture.
