At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global supplier partnerships and drive strategic procurement for business growth.
- Company: Dynamic FMCG organisation based in Sheffield with international reach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, private healthcare, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Why this job: Shape the future of supply chains and make a real impact in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: 3-5+ years in procurement, strong Excel skills, and experience with international suppliers.
As a Strategic Purchasing Manager, you will take a strategic lead in shaping and expanding our global supply base to support ambitious business growth. You'll be responsible for managing existing suppliers in the UK and EU as well as identifying and developing new supplier partnerships in Asia and North America, ensuring they meet our quality and regulatory requirements for international markets.
This organisation operates within the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector and is based in the Sheffield region, supplying both into UK and International Markets.
The role of Strategic Purchasing Manager will be responsible for the following activities:
- Lead the identification, qualification, and onboarding of new suppliers, with a focus on Asia and North America.
- Drive commercial negotiations on pricing, contracts, and volume agreements to secure competitive advantages.
- Partner with sales, operations, and product teams to align procurement strategy with business growth plans, market demand forecasts, and product launches.
- Provide direction and mentorship to the Purchasing Officer, developing skills in supplier management, negotiations, and procurement best practices.
- Ensure packaging and sourcing practices comply with international regulations, including EU and U.S. market requirements.
A successful Strategic Purchasing Manager should have:
- 3-5+ years of experience in procurement or supply chain, ideally in household consumer goods.
- Proven experience working with contract manufacturers and overseas suppliers.
- Solid experience of forecasting, planning and stock management.
- Experience managing packaging artwork coordination, including working with design agencies or internal marketing teams.
- Hands-on leader who manages daily procurement while actively owning complex financial data and vendor relationships.
- Highly accurate in advanced Excel analytics for budget control and forecasting.
- Expert in building complex VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, and financial models with zero error tolerance.
- Actively sources vendors, runs day-to-day bidding, and directly executes cost-saving agreements.
- Translates raw supply chain data into leverage for better pricing and payment terms.
- Directly manages inventory forecasts setting target stock levels and managing limits, spotting supply chain issues before they disrupt operations.
Salary between £50,000 and £60,000 per year, dependent on the level of experience. Performance-related bonus scheme. Private healthcare coverage. Company pension scheme.
If you're interested in this role, apply now. People are at the heart of Michael Page. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment. As an inclusive recruiter we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. If you require any adjustments or accommodations during the recruitment process, we'll work with you to ensure you can perform at your best.
Strategic Purchasing Manager in Sheffield employer: Michael Page
At Michael Page, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that champions community impact through our Social Value Lead role. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth while making a meaningful difference in the property industry. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive salaries and a commitment to employee well-being, ensuring that you thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Purchasing Manager in Sheffield
✨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 Michael Page.
✨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 Strategic Purchasing Manager in Sheffield
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 Michael Page:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Michael Page. 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 Michael Page.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨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 Michael Page!
✨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 Michael Page. 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 Michael Page's culture.
