Purchasing & Transport Manager (Maternity Leave Cover)

At Brandsafe, we design, manufacture, and install high-visibility impact protection systems for industrial workplaces. Our innovative solutions protect warehouses, logistics hubs, and manufacturing sites by combining modern design, compliance, and durability. We are actively recruiting for a Purchasing & Transport Manager to join our team in the Milton Keynes area. This role will cover maternity leave on a 9 month fixed term contract and is based at Head Office, with the opportunity to work remotely 2 days per week.

The Purchasing & Transport Manager is responsible for strategic sourcing and operational buying, enabling the wider team to meet project objectives consistently and sustainably. In addition, you will be responsible for managing the day-to-day transport activities with focus on legal compliance, cost efficiencies and service delivery.

• Purchasing
  • Develop and implement purchasing strategies that align with company objectives.
  • Manage the full procurement cycle, including sourcing, negotiating contracts, issuing purchase orders, and monitoring supplier performance.
  • Identify cost-saving opportunities and process improvements to optimise spend and efficiency.
  • Evaluate and analyse suppliers, making selections based on quality, cost, reliability, and service.
  • Management and optimisation of new and existing supplier accounts through effective processes and efficient response times.
  • Monitor inventory levels in collaboration with warehouse, production, and operations teams, reporting on holding and movements.
  • Maintain accurate purchasing records, tracking key metrics such as cost, delivery times, and supplier performance.
  • Resolve supply issues, delays, or quality concerns promptly.
  • Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards, and legal requirements.
  • Prepare and present reports on purchasing activities, budget forecasts, and cost analyses.
• Transport
  • Plan, organise, and manage transport operations to ensure timely delivery and optimal fleet utilisation.
  • Oversee vehicle scheduling, route planning, and load allocation.
  • Monitor daily transport activities, resolving issues promptly to maintain service levels.
  • Ensure all transport activities comply with relevant laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Leadership
  • Create and nurture a high performance, positive working environment.
  • Coach and lead direct reports where necessary to continuously develop skills and boost performance.
  • Maintain strong relationships with internal departments and external partners.
  • Support business planning and contribute to operational strategy, attending team meetings where required.
• Success Management
  • Build and maintain effective supplier working relationships.
  • Achieve targeted costs without compromising on quality of service or product.
  • Weekly/monthly reporting on purchasing and transport cost, with data analysis.
  • Low risk approach to supplier chain through the development of strategic diverse partnerships, whilst maintaining industry quality levels.
  • Monthly reporting on stock management, with the continued effort to fabricate in-house stock, driving down stock value.
  • Engagement with wider departments to ensure accurate and timely completion of projects.
  • Meet or exceed customer’s expectations on the supply and delivery of goods.

• Good standard of general education backed by a track record of continuing professional development.
• Management Qualification (Level 3)
• Purchasing Qualification (Level 3)

• Experience within the Logistics, Warehouse & Storage Industry.
• Exemplary communication and supplier engagement skills.
• Able to prioritise, develop work schedule, and influence others to achieve results.
• Collaborate effectively with others to ensure business improvements and efficiency.
• Knowledge and understanding of products and systems of work within the industry.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Business Central or other ERP system would be advantageous.
• Capable of working to challenging deadlines and managing multiple tasks efficiently.
• Able to work independently and autonomously when required.
• A result orientated problem solver.
• High attention to detail, tenacious, persistent, and balanced.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships, using communication skills.
• Able to articulate technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively lead and coach reporting team members.

38.5 hours per week Monday to Friday

Health Care Cash Plan (available from day one)

Company sick pay support scheme (after completion of probation)

Employee Assistance Programme (including 1:1 counselling)

Group Life Assurance – 2x annual salary (after 5 years’ service)