At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead purchasing strategies and manage supplier relationships to drive business growth.
- Company: Join a dynamic company focused on innovation and operational excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 28 days holiday, and employee development opportunities.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a senior leadership role within a thriving industry.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in purchasing and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
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.
Key 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.
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
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
Head Of Purchasing in Manchester employer: BG Automotive
At BGA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work environment. As the Head of Purchasing, you will not only lead a talented team but also have access to extensive employee development opportunities, competitive salaries, and a supportive culture that values innovation and accountability. Located in a vibrant area, our company offers unique advantages such as free onsite parking and additional holiday entitlement linked to long service, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Purchasing in Manchester
✨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.
✨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 Manchester
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:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to BG Automotive. 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.
How to prepare for a job interview at BG Automotive
✨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!
✨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. 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's culture.
