Group Head Of Purchasing

Seymour John Ltd; Shrewsbury; Hybrid; GBP 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Group Head of Purchasing to lead the purchasing function centrally from Telford. This role involves negotiating with international suppliers and building a world-class purchasing strategy. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in buying or procurement, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to lead teams effectively. The compensation includes a £50,000 salary with bonus and benefits, offering a flexible hybrid working setup.

Benefits

Pension plan

Flexible hybrid working

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in wholesale, retail, or e-commerce buying/procurement.
• Strong negotiation track record with international supply chains, ideally with Asia.
• Commercially sharp with an ability to spot and deliver economies of scale.

Responsibilities

• Centralising and leading the purchasing function from headquarters.
• Negotiating contracts to unlock cost savings and stronger partnerships.
• Using data insights to guide smarter buying decisions.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Team leadership

Supplier relationship building

Advanced Excel

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Overview

Group Head of Purchasing
Wholesale, Retail & eCommerce | Telford (Hybrid) | £50,000 + Bonus + Benefits

Are you a natural deal-maker with a sharp eye for cost savings and big-picture strategy? Do you thrive in fast-paced environments where your decisions directly shape profitability and growth?

We're looking for a dynamic Group Purchasing Manager / Head of Buying to take ownership of our Client's central purchasing function. This is your chance to lead from the front, negotiating with suppliers across China, the UK, and Europe, modernising their processes, and building a purchasing function that's truly best-in-class.

Why You'll Love This Role

• Make your mark: Take full ownership of supplier negotiations and purchasing strategy.


• Lead & inspire: Manage and develop a small but ambitious team.


• Drive change: Use data and insight to transform buying processes and deliver real savings.


• Think global: Build partnerships with suppliers worldwide (China, UK, Europe).


• Shape the future: Play a pivotal role in helping our growing group business scale profitably.

What You'll Be Doing

• Centralising and leading the purchasing function from HQ in Telford


• Negotiating contracts and terms to unlock cost savings and stronger partnerships


• Using advanced Excel and data insights to guide smarter buying decisions


• Modernising systems, reporting, and processes to boost efficiency


• Collaborating with warehouse, sales, and finance teams to maximise profitability


• Acting as the face of purchasing for the business, representing the organisation with professionalism and confidence

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience in wholesale, retail, or e-commerce buying/procurement


• A strong negotiation track record with international supply chains (ideally China/Asia)


• Commercially sharp with an ability to spot and deliver economies of scale


• Advanced Excel and analytical skills—you love making data work for you


• Team leadership experience (even small teams—you know how to bring the best out of people)


• Personable, confident, and skilled at building strong supplier relationships


• ERP/purchasing systems knowledge is a bonus


• Above all, proactive, ambitious, and hungry to own the role

What We Offer

• £50,000 salary + bonus + pension


• Flexible hybrid working (Telford HQ base) after an initial bedding in period


• The chance to lead and transform a critical function in a profitable, growing group


• A supportive, ambitious team that values new ideas and fresh thinking

Ready to lead purchasing on a global scale?

To apply or for more information please contact Lydia Johnson at Seymour john Recruitment limited