Head of Procurement

Coppice; Wales; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing business in the Blackmill & Bridgend area is seeking an experienced Head of Procurement to lead purchasing and supply chain operations. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring supplier relationships, cost optimization, and operational excellence. Candidates should have a strong procurement background, excellent negotiation skills, and experience in a fast-paced environment. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary (DOE)

Opportunities for professional growth

Supportive leadership and collaborative culture

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior procurement or supply chain management role.
• Strong background in sourcing from international markets.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Experience managing teams in a purchasing environment.
• High level of numeracy and financial acumen.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a procurement team.
• Manage purchasing activity for goods and services.
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers.
• Oversee supplier performance and compliance.
• Maintain optimal stock levels and support production planning.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Team management

Attention to detail

Financial acumen

Education

CIPS qualification

Degree in Business, Accounting, or Supply Chain Management

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Location: Coppice, Blackmill & Bridgend area

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

Hours: Monday - Friday

Salary: Competitive + Benefits (DOE)

Join a Leading Manufacturing Business at the Forefront of Innovation!

The Role

We're seeking a highly skilled and strategic Head of Procurement to lead our purchasing and supply chain operations, driving value, efficiency, and sustainability across the business.

Based at our Coppice site in Bridgend, this is an exciting opportunity for an experienced procurement leader to shape supplier relationships, drive cost optimisation, and ensure operational excellence across international and domestic markets.

You’ll play a key role in ensuring continuity of supply, quality performance, and compliance, while managing a small, capable team and working closely with senior stakeholders across production, planning, logistics and finance.

What You’ll Do

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team, promoting a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Manage all purchasing activity for goods, materials, components, and services, ensuring quality, delivery, and cost targets are consistently met.
• Negotiate contracts and commercial terms with suppliers across the UK, Europe, and the Far East.
• Oversee supplier performance, driving compliance and identifying risks or opportunities for improvement.
• Research and forecast market trends, commodity pricing, and sustainability initiatives to inform strategic purchasing decisions.
• Maintain optimal stock levels, balancing consignment and onsite stock to meet production needs efficiently.
• Ensure compliance with import/export legislation and post-Brexit requirements.
• Support production planning and contribute to wider business improvement projects.
• Work collaboratively across departments – including Planning, Finance, and Sales – to align procurement strategies with business goals.
• Lead on supplier evaluations, audits, and contract renewals to ensure quality and service standards are met.
• Drive cost‑saving initiatives and implement best practices in sourcing, contract management, and supplier engagement.

About You

We're looking for a commercially minded and experienced procurement professional with the confidence to lead, influence, and deliver results.

You'll Bring

• Proven experience in a senior procurement or supply chain management role within a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong background in sourcing from international markets, including Europe and the Far East.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• CIPS qualification (or working towards it) and strong understanding of procurement legislation and compliance.
• Experience managing teams and developing capability within a purchasing environment.
• High level of numeracy and financial acumen, with the ability to manage budgets and calculate margins and gross profit.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems.
• Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to deliver under pressure.

Desirable

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Business, Accounting, or Supply Chain Management.
• Knowledge of Lean or Continuous Improvement principles.
• Experience with MPS/MRP production planning systems.

Why Join Us

This is a key leadership role in a business that values expertise, innovation, and teamwork. You'll have the opportunity to influence strategic decisions, shape supplier relationships, and implement improvements that directly impact performance and profitability.

We Offer

• Competitive salary (DOE)
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Supportive leadership and collaborative culture
• A chance to make a tangible difference in an ambitious, forward‑thinking organisation

If you’re a driven and commercially astute procurement professional ready to take the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you! Apply today and help shape the future of our procurement strategy.

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