Procurement and Purchasing Lead
About the job
Purchasing Procurement Lead
A leading global manufacturing business with a strong local presence is seeking an experienced Purchasing Procurement Lead to lead a growing procurement function. This newly created role will manage a small but high-performing team and drive supplier excellence across an international supply chain.
As the business transitions from SME to medium-sized enterprise, this is a unique opportunity to take ownership of procurement strategy, improve supplier performance, and implement initiatives that will directly impact cost control, delivery reliability, and operational efficiency.
The Opportunity
You will lead a team of three in a fast-paced, engineered-to-order environment. . This is a hands-on leadership role with a strategic edge-perfect for someone who thrives on balancing operational delivery with continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the operational purchasing team to ensure timely, cost-effective procurement of materials and components.
- Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships globally to support quality, delivery, and cost improvements.
- Monitor and drive KPIs around on-time delivery, stock levels, supplier performance, and cost savings.
- Implement freight cost savings, stock reduction initiatives, and Supplier Managed Inventory (SMI) programs with key vendors.
- Oversee purchase order processes to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with the Approved Vendor List (AVL).
- Maintain and evolve procurement policies and procedures in line with ISO and QMS standards.
- Collaborate with production, engineering, and warehousing to ensure inventory accuracy and material availability.
- Introduce lean practices and continuous improvement initiatives in procurement workflows.
About You
- Degree or diploma in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field.
- Minimum 5 years' experience in purchasing/procurement leadership within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
- Proven track record in supplier management, cost reduction, and delivering measurable improvements in performance metrics.
- Experience negotiating international supplier agreements and managing global supply chains.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach, mentor, and inspire a team.
- High attention to detail with excellent problem-solving, analytical, and commercial skills.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and changing demands.
