Head of Purchasing

An opportunity has arisen for a Head of Purchasing to join an organisation in Luton, where your expertise will be pivotal in shaping and executing the purchasing function. This role offers you the chance to lead a team, foster supplier relationships, and ensure that purchasing activities consistently align with operational goals and customer expectations.

What You'll Do:

As Head of Purchasing, you will play a central role in leading the purchasing function within an organisation committed to excellence. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve:

• Leading and developing the Purchasing team by setting clear objectives, fostering a culture of ownership, collaboration, and excellence while supporting professional growth.
• Building and maintaining productive relationships with suppliers by negotiating favourable terms to secure reliable supply chains that meet quality standards.
• Monitoring supplier performance using KPIs and regular reviews to ensure compliance with delivery schedules and product specifications.
• Collaborating closely with Sales, Operations, Finance, and Product teams to ensure accurate forecasting, planning, and availability of stock for both regular inventory and bespoke orders.

You will work fully onsite initially, before moving to work from home one day per week. This role isn’t suitable for someone looking for remote work, or needing to work from home more than one day per week.

What You Bring:

To excel as Head of Purchasing, you will bring substantial experience from senior positions within purchasing or supply chain management where collaborative approaches have driven success. Your background include:

• Proven track record of building, leading, mentoring, and retaining high-performing teams who thrive on collaboration and shared achievement.
• Exceptional negotiation skills combined with commercial acumen focused on securing supplier value while balancing quality assurance and risk management.
• Working knowledge of warehouse operations including inbound logistics standards such as pallet compliance, safety stacking protocols, and booking-in processes.
• Comprehensive understanding of ISO 9001/14001 standards relevant to quality control and sustainability initiatives within supply chain operations.
• Degree-level qualification in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or related discipline demonstrating commitment to professional development.

The Company:

With roots established through the merger of respected industry leaders and now part of a globally recognised FTSE 100 group the company offers employees the unique blend of SME agility paired with world-class resources. Strategic growth, both organic through innovation and inorganic via acquisitions, ensures continued expansion into new markets while maintaining stability for staff.

How to Apply:

Apply now or for more information, feel free to contact Senior Consultant Jess Vernal on jess.vernal@robertwalters.com or 07823647177.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates