Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead purchasing, stock control, and quality assurance while driving cost-saving strategies.
- Company: Join a successful international company supplying major household names.
- Benefits: Enjoy regular international travel and the chance to influence purchasing strategy.
- Why this job: Shape purchasing for top brands and develop high-performing teams in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior purchasing roles with strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: This is a full-time, permanent position based in Birmingham.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Are you a strategic purchasing leader ready to step up and make an impact in a dynamic, growing business? We are partnering with a successful international company supplying major household names - and they are looking for an experienced Purchasing Director to join their senior leadership team at their Birmingham HQ.
About the role
As Purchasing Director, you will oversee the Purchasing, Stock Control, and Quality Assurance functions. You will drive cost-saving strategies, strengthen supplier relationships across Europe and Asia, and ensure high standards of compliance, stock management, and process excellence. This is a hands-on role - you will negotiate directly with suppliers, approve major purchasing decisions, and lead initiatives to reduce costs and optimise stock without compromising on quality or service. Regular international travel is part of the role - you will build and maintain strong partnerships with key suppliers in Europe and Southeast Asia.
What you will be doing:
- Leading and developing teams across Purchasing, Stock Control, and QA.
- Creating and delivering cost-saving programmes with Category Managers - using product re-engineering, innovation, and supplier development.
- Overseeing supplier selection and direct negotiations.
- Managing purchase order approvals in SAP and other internal systems.
- Monitoring and reducing slow-moving stock, while maintaining agreed service levels.
- Ensuring compliance with waste legislation, customer standards and ethical requirements.
- Driving best practice, process improvements and continuous development across all functions.
- Building long-term relationships with strategic global partners.
What you will bring:
- Proven experience in a senior purchasing and stock management role.
- A track record of successful strategic global sourcing - ideally with experience purchasing from Southeast Asia.
- Experience in high-volume, fast-paced industries such as retail or FMCG is desirable.
- Strong negotiation skills and the confidence to build trusted relationships at senior levels.
- Familiarity with MRP systems and working knowledge of SAP.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- A commercial, results-focused mindset with a hands-on leadership style.
Why apply?
This is an opportunity to shape purchasing strategy for an ambitious business working with some of the world's best-known brands. You will have genuine influence, international scope, and the chance to lead and develop high-performing teams.
Location: Birmingham - on-site
Travel: Regular international travel across Europe and Southeast Asia
Type: Full-time, permanent
Ready for your next challenge? If you are a commercially minded, strategic purchasing leader looking for a fresh opportunity, we would love to hear from you. Apply now or get in touch for a confidential chat!
Purchasing Director employer: Zachary Daniels Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Zachary Daniels Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Director
✨Tip Number 1
Research the company thoroughly before your interview. Understand their supply chain, key suppliers, and recent projects. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how you can add value to their purchasing strategy.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the industry, especially those who have experience in purchasing from Southeast Asia. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with potential contacts who might provide insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples of your past achievements in cost-saving initiatives and supplier negotiations. Be ready to discuss how these experiences can translate into success for the company you're applying to.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with SAP and MRP systems if you haven't already. Being able to speak confidently about your experience with these tools during discussions will set you apart as a strong candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in strategic purchasing and stock management. Emphasise your achievements in cost-saving initiatives and supplier relationship management, particularly in high-volume industries.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your leadership style and negotiation skills. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully driven cost-saving strategies and built strong partnerships with suppliers.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, focus on your proven track record in global sourcing, especially if you have experience with suppliers from Southeast Asia. This will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent stakeholder management is crucial for this role, ensure your application reflects your strong communication skills. Provide examples of how you've effectively managed relationships at senior levels.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zachary Daniels Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As a Purchasing Director, it's crucial to demonstrate your strategic thinking. Prepare examples of how you've successfully implemented cost-saving strategies and improved supplier relationships in previous roles. This will show the interviewers that you can think long-term and align purchasing strategies with business goals.
✨Highlight Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is key in this role. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've negotiated effectively with suppliers. Highlight the outcomes of these negotiations, such as cost reductions or improved terms, to illustrate your capability in this area.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Their Operations
Research the company’s current purchasing processes and any recent news about their operations. Understanding their challenges and successes will allow you to tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their success.
✨Prepare for Questions on Compliance and Ethics
Given the emphasis on compliance and ethical standards in the job description, be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past roles. Share your approach to maintaining high standards and how you’ve navigated challenges related to waste legislation and customer standards.