At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead purchasing and transport activities to optimise supply chain efficiency.
- Company: Reputable organisation in Milton Keynes with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and enjoy a varied management role.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on procurement strategies and team development.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing, procurement, or transport management required.
WSR are recruiting for a Purchasing & Transport Manager for our reputable client based in Milton Keynes.
Job Type: Full-Time, 9 month Fixed Term Contract until 30th April 2027 (Maternity cover)
Location: Milton Keynes
Hybrid working: Work from home 2 days per week
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Purchasing & Transport Manager to join a well-established and growing organisation based in Milton Keynes. This is a key operational role responsible for leading purchasing, procurement and transport activities, ensuring an efficient and cost-effective supply chain while supporting the successful delivery of customer projects.
Reporting to the Operations Director, you will manage the full procurement lifecycle, develop strategic supplier relationships, oversee transport operations and lead a small team. This role would suit someone with strong commercial awareness who enjoys driving continuous improvement, reducing costs and maintaining exceptional service levels.
Key Responsibilities- Develop and implement purchasing strategies aligned with business objectives.
- Manage the end-to-end procurement process, including supplier sourcing, negotiation, purchase orders and supplier performance.
- Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure quality, reliability and continuity of supply.
- Monitor inventory levels and work closely with warehouse and operations teams to optimise stock management.
- Oversee transport planning, vehicle scheduling and delivery performance.
- Ensure transport operations remain compliant with all relevant legislation and company procedures.
- Produce regular reports covering purchasing performance, transport costs, supplier performance and stock analysis.
- Lead, coach and develop a small team, ensuring high performance and effective cross-training.
The successful candidate will have:
- Previous experience within a Purchasing, Procurement, Supply Chain or Transport Management role.
- Experience working within logistics, warehousing or a related operational environment.
- Strong supplier negotiation and relationship management skills.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Experience using ERP systems (Microsoft Business Central or similar would be advantageous).
- Strong analytical skills with confidence producing reports and analysing operational data.
- A proactive, hands-on approach with excellent communication and leadership skills.
- Varied and autonomous management role.
- Opportunity to influence purchasing and transport strategy.
- Supportive and collaborative working environment.
Purchasing & Transport Manager in Milton Keynes employer: Working Solutions Recruitment Services
Join a reputable and growing organisation in Milton Keynes as a Purchasing & Transport Manager, where you will enjoy a supportive and collaborative work culture that values your expertise. With the flexibility of hybrid working and a focus on employee development, this role offers a unique opportunity to influence key operational strategies while leading a dedicated team. Experience a varied and autonomous management position that not only enhances your professional growth but also contributes to the success of customer projects.
Contact Details:
Working Solutions Recruitment Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing & Transport Manager in Milton Keynes
✨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 Working Solutions Recruitment Services.
✨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 & Transport Manager in Milton Keynes
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 Working Solutions Recruitment Services:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Working Solutions Recruitment Services. 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 Working Solutions Recruitment Services.
How to prepare for a job interview at Working Solutions Recruitment Services
✨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 Working Solutions Recruitment Services!
✨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 Working Solutions Recruitment Services. 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 Working Solutions Recruitment Services's culture.
