At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead regional purchasing, negotiate high-value contracts, and build strategic supplier relationships.
- Company: Join Croda Europe, a values-driven company focused on innovative science and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence purchasing strategies across multiple sites and countries.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable sourcing while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing, strong negotiation skills, and a degree in a Science-related discipline.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
In this role you will lead regional purchasing across Croda Europe, driving cost-effective, risk-managed sourcing while coordinating globally where possible to leverage buying power. You’ll build and oversee strategic supplier relationships, develop a regional purchasing plan, and roll out Group Purchasing Policies to support sustainable growth and cash targets. The role blends leadership, negotiation at high value contracts, and governance to sustain value across multiple sites. You will work in a values-driven, collaborative environment focused on innovative science and a sustainable future.
Responsibilities
- Lead risk-managed sourcing of energy, goods and services to support group cash targets
- Document and roll out Group Purchasing Policies and implement them within Croda Europe
- Develop and implement regional purchasing strategy including people development, category management, supplier relationship management and performance indicators
- Cultivate long-term, collaborative supplier relationships to deliver sustainable cost savings
- Negotiate high-value European (and occasionally international) contracts
- Direct line management of a small team of purchasing professionals and dotted line responsibility for local purchasing managers across multiple sites and countries
- Provide regular information and expert opinion to influence pricing and contracting decisions
- Anticipate external factors affecting purchases and mitigate risks within Group guidelines
- Adopt industry best purchasing practices and align Croda's processes and systems accordingly
Key requirements
- Experience in a similar regional/global purchasing role within manufacturing
- Proven track record in cost-effective, risk-managed sourcing and key supplier management
- Strong negotiation and communication skills at high levels
- Experience in managing and developing a small purchasing team
- Financial acumen with drive to achieve commercial results
- Knowledge of contract law and competition law
- Familiarity with UK Bribery Act, REACH, EUDR, CBAM and EU purchasing compliance
- Degree in a Science-related discipline
- Membership of Chartered Institute of Purchasing Supply, level 5 minimum preferred
- Excellent communicator with persuasion and influence at all levels
- Creative problem solving and cross-functional collaboration
- Strategic thinking and leadership for a regional agenda
- Sourcing strategy and category management
- Supplier relationship management
- Contract negotiation and governance
Regional Purchasing Director employer: Croda
Croda is an exceptional employer that prioritises its people, fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture where innovation thrives. As a HR Operations / Payroll Coordinator, you will benefit from a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives, all while contributing to a sustainable future through smart science. With opportunities for professional growth and a supportive work environment, Croda is dedicated to helping you succeed in your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Purchasing Director
✨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 Croda.
✨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 Regional Purchasing Director
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 Croda:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Croda. 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 Croda.
How to prepare for a job interview at Croda
✨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 Croda!
✨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 Croda. 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 Croda's culture.
