At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the procurement team and shape product strategy for a diverse portfolio.
- Company: Established organisation in the industrial products sector with a strong market presence.
- Benefits: Highly competitive salary, performance bonuses, private healthcare, and additional perks.
- Other info: Office-based role in Essex with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on product development and supplier partnerships.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in procurement, especially sourcing from Asia.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A growing and well-established organisation within the industrial products sector is seeking an experienced Head of Purchasing to oversee its end-to-end buying function. Based in the Essex area, this senior-level opportunity offers significant autonomy and the chance to play a key role in shaping product strategy, supplier partnerships and commercial performance across an extensive portfolio of branded and own-label products. Salary is highly competitive and flexible depending on experience, alongside an attractive bonus structure and benefits package.
The Opportunity
Reporting into senior leadership, you will take responsibility for supplier management, sourcing strategy, stock optimisation, pricing and range development. The role requires a commercially focused individual who enjoys working closely with products and influencing which ranges are developed and launched into the market. Applicants must have previous experience sourcing directly from manufacturers across Asia, particularly China and the Far East.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing and mentoring an established purchasing and buying team.
- Developing supplier relationships across international and European markets.
- Identifying opportunities to expand and improve the existing product portfolio.
- Negotiating pricing, managing margins and ensuring product availability.
- Approving purchasing activity and overseeing key commercial decisions.
- Collaborating with technical, quality, marketing and product teams on new product launches.
- Monitoring product performance, warranty trends and quality feedback.
- Reviewing the product lifecycle to determine future range strategy.
- Keeping informed on competitor activity and market developments.
Requirements
- Significant experience within purchasing, procurement or buying in a product-focused environment.
- Strong understanding of physical products and imported finished goods.
- Experience sourcing from China and wider Far East supply markets.
- Previous leadership experience managing buyers or procurement teams.
- Strong commercial acumen across stock management, supplier performance and margin control.
- Ability to operate confidently at senior leadership level.
- Proactive, hands-on and commercially driven approach.
Package
- Excellent basic salary with flexibility for the right individual.
- Performance-related bonus.
- Private healthcare.
- Pension scheme.
- Life cover.
- Additional employee perks.
- Office-based role, Monday to Friday in Essex.
Head of Procurement in Kent employer: Huntress
Join a dynamic and well-established organisation in the industrial products sector, where as the Head of Procurement, you will enjoy a highly competitive salary and an attractive benefits package. Our Essex-based office fosters a collaborative work culture that values autonomy and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development while working closely with senior leadership to shape product strategy and supplier partnerships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their market position and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in sourcing from Asia.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved supplier relationships. This is key for a senior role like Head of Procurement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Procurement role. Highlight your experience in sourcing from Asia and managing teams, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in procurement and how you’ve influenced product strategy in the past.
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen:In your application, emphasise your commercial skills. Talk about your experience with stock management, supplier performance, and margin control. We’re looking for someone who can drive results and make impactful decisions!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get your journey started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Huntress
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Procurement, you'll need to demonstrate your strong commercial acumen. Brush up on key metrics related to stock management, supplier performance, and margin control. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to make informed decisions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves managing and mentoring a team, so be prepared to share examples of your leadership experience. Talk about how you've developed your team members and improved their performance, as well as any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with current trends in the industrial products sector, especially regarding sourcing from Asia. Be ready to discuss competitor activity and how you would approach expanding and improving the product portfolio based on market developments.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think of specific scenarios where you've had to negotiate pricing or manage supplier relationships, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
