At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchasing, source products, and develop strong supplier relationships.
- Company: Established and growing business valuing military and commercial experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ownership of function, and opportunity to shape development.
- Other info: Ideal for Armed Forces veterans seeking to transition into civilian roles.
- Why this job: Bring your military skills into a rewarding role with real impact.
- Qualifications: Military logistics experience and two years in commercial procurement.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Stonehouse, Gloucestershire — on site four days per week
Salary: £50,000–£65,000 per annum
NexGen Associates is recruiting for a Sourcing, Quoting & Procurement Manager on behalf of an established, growing business. This opportunity would particularly suit an Armed Forces veteran with around two years of commercial experience who is ready to take ownership of purchasing, sourcing, supplier relationships and customer quotations.
Reporting to the Operations Director, you will play a central role in securing competitive supplier terms, protecting profit margins and ensuring customer orders are delivered reliably. You will own the function, with no direct reports, and have the opportunity to improve processes as the business grows.
What You Will Do
- Manage purchasing, source products and develop strong supplier relationships.
- Obtain and compare supplier prices, availability and lead times.
- Prepare accurate customer quotations and Bills of Materials.
- Monitor purchasing costs and profit margins.
- Progress purchase orders, resolve shortages and anticipate delivery risks.
- Work closely with operations colleagues to keep customers informed.
- Maintain accurate records within the company’s ERP system.
- Identify practical improvements to purchasing and sourcing processes.
What We Are Looking For
- Someone who can think for themselves, takes pride in their work and follows through on commitments.
- Forward thinking, comfortable making informed decisions and able to build trust with customers and suppliers.
- Military experience in logistics, supply, procurement, stores or equipment support.
- Around two years of subsequent commercial experience in purchasing, sourcing, supply chain or a related operations role.
- A sound understanding of supplier management, pricing, lead times and commercial purchasing.
- Strong organisation, attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
- The confidence to work independently and recognise when to seek senior input.
- A willingness to learn new products, systems and ways of working.
- Experience in engineering, manufacturing, distribution or technical products would be beneficial.
Why Apply?
This is an opportunity to bring your military and commercial experience into a role where your judgement, initiative and high standards will be valued. You will have clear ownership of the function and the scope to help shape its development. Applications are particularly welcomed from Armed Forces veterans. Candidates with equivalent relevant experience are also encouraged to apply. You must be available to work on site in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire four days per week.
Buying Manager (Food/FMCG) in Stonehouse employer: NexGen Associates
NexGen Associates is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Corsham, Wiltshire, where innovation meets security excellence. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide opportunities for our team to engage in complex MOD technology programmes while enjoying the benefits of hybrid working. Our collaborative culture fosters meaningful contributions, ensuring that every employee plays a vital role in shaping secure solutions for the UK Ministry of Defence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Manager (Food/FMCG) in Stonehouse
✨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 NexGen 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 Buying Manager (Food/FMCG) in Stonehouse
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 NexGen Associates:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to NexGen 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 NexGen Associates.
How to prepare for a job interview at NexGen 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 NexGen 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 NexGen 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 NexGen Associates's culture.
