At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and negotiate with suppliers to drive business growth.
- Company: Respected international manufacturing business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance-related bonus, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy autonomy and influence in a stable business with ambitious growth plans.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while shaping procurement strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement management and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Procurement Manager | Slough | Competitive Salary + Bonus | Manufacturing | Career Progression
Shape Procurement. Drive Commercial Value. Influence Business Growth.
We're partnering with a highly respected international manufacturing business to recruit an experienced
Procurement Manager to take ownership of a critical purchasing function.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys autonomy, thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and wants to make a genuine commercial impact.
You'll play a key role in ensuring continuity of supply, strengthening supplier partnerships and driving procurement strategies that directly support business growth and operational performance.
If you're commercially minded, enjoy negotiating with suppliers and want the opportunity to influence strategic decision-making, this could be the perfect next step.
The Opportunity
Reporting into senior leadership, you'll take full ownership of the procurement function, working closely with production, finance and operational teams to ensure the business has the materials, suppliers and commercial agreements in place to succeed.
This is a broad, hands-on role where you'll be trusted to make decisions, improve processes and identify opportunities to reduce costs while maintaining the highest standards of quality and supplier performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver procurement strategies that support business growth and maximise commercial value.
- Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key suppliers, negotiating favourable pricing and contractual terms.
- Ensure uninterrupted supply of raw materials by working closely with production and planning teams.
- Lead end-to-end purchasing activity, from supplier selection through to delivery and invoice reconciliation.
- Identify new suppliers and sourcing opportunities to improve resilience, quality and competitiveness.
- Monitor supplier performance, drive continuous improvement and secure long-term agreements.
- Analyse market trends, pricing movements and supply risks to support informed purchasing decisions.
- Manage procurement budgets and identify opportunities to reduce costs without compromising quality or service.
- Drive continuous improvement across procurement processes, systems and supplier management.
About You
You'll be an experienced procurement professional with a strong commercial mindset and the confidence to work independently.
You'll also bring
- Previous procurement or purchasing management experience within a regulated manufacturing environment.
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
- The ability to build relationships across production, operations and senior leadership.
- Excellent commercial awareness and analytical capability.
- Experience managing budgets, contracts and purchasing performance.
- Familiarity with ERP systems and procurement reporting.
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach with the confidence to make decisions and challenge where appropriate.
What's in it for You?
- Competitive salary
- Performance-related bonus
- Join a well-established international manufacturing business
- A broad role with genuine autonomy and influence
- Opportunity to shape procurement strategy and supplier relationships
- Supportive leadership team with opportunities for career progression
- Stable business with ambitious growth plans
If you're looking for a role where you can take ownership, influence commercial decisions and make a measurable impact on business performance, we'd love to hear from you.
Purchasing Manager in Reading employer: We Do Group
We Do Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the education sector. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities and a supportive environment that values organisational change, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in HR transformation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Manager in Reading
✨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 We Do Group.
✨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 Purchasing Manager in Reading
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 We Do Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to We Do Group. 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 We Do Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at We Do Group
✨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 We Do Group!
✨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 We Do Group. 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 We Do Group's culture.
