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, career growth opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to excellence and innovation in pet care.
- Why this job: Shape the future of procurement in a dynamic environment focused on pet health.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in purchasing, strong negotiation skills, and proficiency in Sage Line 200.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ 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
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 in Lytham St Annes employer: VetPlus
At VetPlus, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values innovation and collaboration. Our dynamic work culture fosters creativity and offers ample opportunities for professional growth, particularly in the exciting field of global events management. With a competitive salary and a commitment to employee development, joining our team means being part of a supportive environment where your contributions truly make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Purchasing Manager in Lytham St Annes
✨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 VetPlus.
✨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 Group Purchasing Manager in Lytham St Annes
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 VetPlus:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to VetPlus. 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 VetPlus.
How to prepare for a job interview at VetPlus
✨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 VetPlus!
✨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 VetPlus. 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 VetPlus's culture.
