At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead purchasing activities, manage suppliers, and ensure timely delivery of materials.
- Company: Join a dynamic food and drink manufacturing recruitment agency.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £50,000, with a permanent contract and great working hours.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and development in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced environment while building strong supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Previous purchasing experience, strong Excel skills, and excellent communication abilities.
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum
Working Hours: 09:00 – 17:30
Location: Blackburn, Lancashire
Overview: Reporting in to the Supply Chain Manager, you will take ownership of purchasing activity across a range of categories. You will work closely with suppliers and internal teams to ensure materials are available when required, suppliers are performing effectively and the business is achieving the best possible commercial value. This is a hands-on purchasing role with responsibility for supplier management, sourcing, negotiation, purchase orders and supply continuity.
The Role:
- Purchasing & Supply
- Manage purchasing activity across assigned categories.
- Raise and manage purchase orders and ensure orders are delivered on time.
- Monitor stock levels, supplier confirmations and delivery dates.
- Expedite or delay orders when demand or requirements change.
- Track supplier deliveries through to receipt.
- Supplier Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers.
- Monitor supplier performance, including delivery, quality, responsiveness and pricing.
- Support supplier onboarding and maintain accurate supplier records.
- Conduct supplier performance reviews and support supplier improvement activity.
- Identify and manage supply chain risks.
- Sourcing & Cost Saving
- Lead RFQs and tender processes for assigned categories.
- Source and evaluate new suppliers.
- Compare costs and negotiate pricing and commercial terms.
- Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve value.
- Monitor market conditions and supplier pricing.
The Candidate:
The successful Purchasing Lead candidate will have previous purchasing or procurement experience, ideally gained within manufacturing, FMCG or another fast-paced supply chain environment.
You will ideally have:
- Experience managing suppliers and purchasing activity.
- Experience with RFQs, tenders and supplier selection.
- Experience negotiating with suppliers and managing commercial relationships.
- Good understanding of purchase orders and procure-to-pay processes.
- Strong Excel skills and experience using an ERP system, ideally SAP.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- The ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
A CIPS qualification or experience working towards CIPS would be desirable, but is not essential.
What Success Looks Like:
In this role, you will be successful when:
- Materials are available when needed to support production.
- Suppliers consistently meet agreed delivery, quality and service requirements.
- Purchasing issues are identified and resolved quickly.
- Strong supplier relationships are maintained.
- Purchase orders, supplier information and purchasing records are accurate and up to date.
Next Steps:
To apply for this Purchasing Lead role, click apply or contact Ambrose Joharchi.
Purchasing Lead in Blackburn employer: Gregory Walker Associates
Gregory Walker Associates is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values attention to detail and leadership in the luxury retail sector. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and development, with opportunities to enhance their skills in hygiene management. Working night shifts allows for a unique work-life balance, making it an attractive option for those seeking meaningful employment in a prestigious setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Lead in Blackburn
✨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 Gregory Walker Associates.
✨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 Lead in Blackburn
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 Gregory Walker Associates:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Gregory Walker Associates. 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 Gregory Walker Associates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gregory Walker Associates
✨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 Gregory Walker Associates!
✨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 Gregory Walker Associates. 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 Gregory Walker Associates's culture.
