Purchasing Manager in Saint Neots

Bosch Rexroth supports mechanical and plant engineering challenges around the world with its cutting-edge technology and unique industry knowledge. More than 32,300 employees worldwide work on safe, efficient, intelligent and powerful solutions. With our cross-technology portfolio, digital services and comprehensive service, we are the partner for machines and plants.

The Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced procurement leader to take on a critical role within Bosch Rexroth UK. Following a period of change, you will be responsible for rebuilding and leading our UK-wide direct purchasing function, with focus on the Product Class Industrial Power Units and Manifolds. You will have the autonomy to shape the team, refine our strategy and make a significant and immediate impact on the business. We are seeking a proactive and resilient leader who can provide stability, direction and a clear vision for the future of our engineering procurement activities.

Core Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Development
  • Provide full functional and disciplinary leadership for a team of direct purchasing and logistics personnel, including an intern.
  • Lead, mentor and develop the team, promoting a culture of high performance, continuous improvement and professional growth.
  • Act as the key purchasing account lead for the DCFI function.
• Strategic Supplier & Stakeholder Management
  • Develop and manage the strategic supplier base, identifying and qualifying new local suppliers, negotiating supply agreements and agreeing on key terms (incoterms, payment terms, volume rebates).
  • Lead annual supplier assessments in collaboration with Quality and Logistics, monitoring performance on delivery, quality and pricing to ensure optimal service levels are achieved.
  • Conduct supplier audits with Quality Management and visit suppliers to proactively resolve issues and identify opportunities for performance improvement.
  • Ensure all necessary legal and compliance documentation, such as framework agreements and NDAs, are in place.
  • Build and maintain effective networks with internal stakeholders (Engineering, Sales, Production, and Quality), ensuring procurement is a key partner in project planning and execution.
• Commercial & Project Management
  • Lead annual price negotiations with local suppliers, aligning with the material field specialist (MFS) strategy to deliver on cost-reduction targets.
  • Drive cost savings by renegotiating supplier offers, generating CSR II savings, and ensuring materials are bought at the most competitive price.
  • Oversee the end-to-end quotation process: manage RFQs, analyse quotes using comparison tools (COQ), and make strategic sourcing recommendations.
  • Participate actively in project meetings with internal and external customers, identifying measures to reduce costs and delivery timescales before the technical specification is finalised.
• Operational Excellence & Compliance
  • Take full responsibility for the implementation of, and compliance with, all local and regional purchasing strategies and processes.
  • Oversee the end-to-end operational procurement and logistics cycle, from placing purchase orders through to final delivery, including the active management of supplier delivery performance and material creation.
  • Manage all purchasing and logistics data within SAP, ensuring the accuracy of material master data, source lists and pricing information.
  • Lead the resolution of all invoicing queries, including blocked invoices, to ensure timely and accurate payment processing.
  • Manage the monthly MCR/CSR data verification and reporting process.
  • Ensure all purchasing decisions are fully documented in accordance with company guidelines, maintaining comprehensive files for all supplier and transaction data.
  • Identify and drive opportunities for process improvements within Purchasing and Logistics, utilising continuous improvement (CIP) methodologies.

This position is an SL1 level position.

Qualifications Candidate Profile - This is an SL1 position

• Essential Experience & Skills
  • Proven experience in a senior purchasing or materials management role, ideally within a technical or manufacturing environment.
  • Demonstrable experience in leading and developing a team.
  • A proactive and results-driven leadership style, with the ability to perform effectively under pressure and navigate business challenges.
  • Excellent relationship management and negotiation skills, with a track record of managing key internal and external stakeholders.
  • Strong commercial acumen and experience working effectively across multiple business functions.
  • A relevant business or technical qualification (e.g., CIPS, Degree in Business or Engineering).
  • Prior experience with SAP.
  • Excellent skills in MS-Office, Experience with Power-BI and AI-Tools.
  • A flexible working style and a willingness to travel for supplier visits, project meetings, and regional conferences as required.

Additional Information

We offer a competitive package including; First class training and support. Benefits: 26 days holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing to 30 days with service, generous Pension, Life Assurance, Staff discounts, Employee Assistance Programme.