At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead purchasing strategy and optimise supplier relationships for a growing veterinary nutraceutical company.
- Company: VetPlus, a global leader in veterinary nutraceuticals with over 30 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £65k, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to excellence and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on pet health while shaping procurement strategies in a thriving business.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and proficiency in Sage Line 200.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
About us
At VetPlus, we believe that every pet deserves the best possible care. That’s why, for over 30 years, we have been dedicated to developing high-quality veterinary nutraceuticals that support pet health and wellbeing. As part of the Tangerine Group, we are The Global Leader in veterinary nutraceuticals, delivering innovative solutions to vets in over 50 countries worldwide, with seven wholly owned subsidiaries. Our success is built on strong relationships, exceptional service, and an ongoing commitment to excellence which continues to drive double digit growth and exceptional operating margins.
About the Role
Up to 65k Dependent on experience. We’re looking for a strategic, proactive Purchasing Manager to take ownership of our end‑to‑end purchasing function and play a key role in supporting our continued growth. You will be working closely with Production, Warehouse, R&D, Finance, and Quality teams. Driving an effective purchasing strategy, you will strengthen supplier relationships, ensuring we deliver the best product at the best value, every time. You will be responsible for a £15m spend across direct categories with over 200 raw materials and 2000 packaging SKU’s globally sourced. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone highly analytical, commercially savvy, and passionate about building a best‑in‑class procurement operation in a rapidly growing business.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead Our Purchasing Strategy
- Develop and deliver a purchasing strategy aligned to business growth plans.
- Create an annual purchasing plan optimising direct and indirect spend balancing quality, cost, and lead times.
- Build strong strategic supplier relationships, ensuring at least two approved suppliers for every product to minimise risk.
- Drive Operational Excellence
- Oversee the purchase order process, ensuring accuracy and compliance with SOPs.
- Ensure new suppliers are selected, vetted and set up correctly.
- Negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times, MOQs, and wider conditions to secure best‑value agreements.
- Maintain contracts for all key suppliers and ensure compliance with company terms and conditions.
- Support Innovation & Continuous Improvement
- Work with R&D on new product development to source raw materials effectively and ensure continuity of supply.
- Deliver year‑on‑year improvements on KPIs including invoice disputes, supplier defect rates, purchase price variance, and procurement ROI.
- Support capital project development through robust sourcing and negotiation.
- Optimise Stock, Supply Chain and Costs
- Manage stock levels to maximise cash and optimise working capital.
- Work closely with suppliers to ensure efficient delivery of raw materials and packaging, avoiding disruptions to manufacturing.
- Lead ongoing price reduction initiatives and improve supplier terms, including extending payment terms and securing delivered pricing.
- Develop and maintain effective 'Just in Time' programmes with major suppliers.
- Broaden Our Supplier Landscape
- Attend conferences, trade shows and supplier meetings to identify new partners and opportunities.
- Produce reporting and analytics for senior management.
- Occasionally visit suppliers and other company sites as needed.
About You
Required Experience & Skills
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in a similar purchasing or procurement role.
- Strong knowledge of Sage Line 200.
- Excellent communication, relationship‑building and negotiation skills.
- Highly organised with brilliant time‑management.
- Advanced IT skills, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
Ideally You Will Also Have
- A degree in Business or Management.
- CIPS qualification (or studying towards it).
Personal Qualities
- Quick learner with a proactive approach.
- Self‑motivated and adaptable.
- Enthusiastic team player with a strong work ethic.
- Committed to integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Why Join Us?
You’ll play a central role in shaping our purchasing strategy and supplier network at a time of exciting growth. This is a high‑impact position where your ideas and decisions genuinely make a difference across the entire business.
Group Purchasing Manager employer: Tangerine Group
At VetPlus, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the veterinary nutraceuticals industry, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous training opportunities and a culture that values integrity and teamwork. Located within the Tangerine Group, we provide competitive salaries and benefits, ensuring our team members feel valued and motivated as they contribute to the health and wellbeing of pets worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Purchasing Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, trade shows, and conferences to meet potential employers and suppliers. Building relationships in person can give you an edge over other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your achievements in purchasing and procurement. This will help you demonstrate your value during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Reach out to companies you're interested in, even if they haven't advertised a position. A well-timed email can open doors and show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at VetPlus.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Purchasing Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Group Purchasing Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in purchasing and procurement, especially any strategic initiatives you've led. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at VetPlus!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about pet health and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention your experience with supplier relationships and negotiation skills.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires a highly analytical mindset, be sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive purchasing decisions or improve processes in your previous roles. We love numbers that tell a story!
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our VetPlus family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tangerine Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Group Purchasing Manager, you'll be dealing with significant budgets and supplier negotiations. Brush up on your financial acumen and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in the past. Bring specific examples of cost-saving initiatives or successful negotiations that demonstrate your analytical skills.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
This role requires a strategic mindset. Prepare to talk about how you've developed purchasing strategies in previous roles. Think about how you can align purchasing decisions with business growth and be ready to share your ideas on optimising spend while maintaining quality.
✨Build Rapport with Your Interviewers
Strong relationship-building skills are crucial for this position. During the interview, focus on establishing a connection with your interviewers. Share stories that highlight your ability to build and maintain supplier relationships, and demonstrate your communication skills through active listening.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Prepare for questions like how you would handle a supplier dispute or manage stock levels during a supply chain disruption. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
