At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead purchasing, stock control, and quality assurance to drive cost-saving strategies.
- Company: Dynamic international company supplying major household brands.
- Benefits: Opportunity for international travel and influence in a growing business.
- Why this job: Shape purchasing strategy and develop high-performing teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior purchasing roles and strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: Join a collaborative leadership team with global partnerships.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you a strategic purchasing leader ready to step up and make an impact in a dynamic, growing business? We\’re partnering with a successful international company supplying major household names – and they\’re looking for an experienced Head of Buying to join their senior leadership team at their HQ.
About the Head of Buying role
As Head of Buying, you\’ll oversee the Purchasing, Stock Control, and Quality Assurance functions. You\’ll 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\’ll 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\’ll build and maintain strong partnerships with key suppliers in Europe and Southeast Asia.
Responsibilities
- 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.
Requirements
- Proven experience in a senior purchasing and stock management role.
- Must have 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.
This is an opportunity to shape purchasing strategy for an ambitious business working with some of the world\’s best-known brands. You\’ll have genuine influence, international scope, and the chance to lead and develop high-performing teams.
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Head of Buying employer: Zachary Daniels
Contact Detail:
Zachary Daniels Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Buying
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their purchasing strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you mean business!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Head of Buying, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Buying
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Buying role. Highlight your strategic purchasing experience and any relevant achievements in stock management and supplier relationships. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your negotiation skills and how you've driven cost-saving strategies in the past. Let us know what excites you about joining our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: As a hands-on leader, it's important to convey your leadership style in your application. Talk about how you've developed teams and driven process improvements in previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and lead high-performing teams!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our dynamic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zachary Daniels
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Buying, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of cost-saving strategies and stock management. Brush up on key metrics related to purchasing and be ready to discuss how you've successfully driven savings in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations with suppliers that led to significant benefits for your company. Highlight your approach to building relationships and how you’ve navigated challenges in high-pressure situations.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Research the company's suppliers and competitors, especially in Europe and Southeast Asia. Being knowledgeable about market trends will show your commitment and strategic thinking, which is crucial for this role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you've developed teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you've driven process improvements and fostered a culture of excellence within your teams.