Head of Purchasing

Gerrell & Hard Ltd.; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-paced procurement company in the United Kingdom is seeking a Head of Purchasing to lead their procurement strategy. You will manage supplier performance and ensure stock availability while leading a motivated team in a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate has substantial experience in procurement and supply chain management, with strong leadership and negotiation skills. This is a full-time, onsite role based in Luton.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior procurement or purchasing leadership role.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems and interpreting procurement data.
• Familiarity with inbound logistics processes and warehouse operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a motivated Purchasing team.
• Define and execute a procurement strategy for company growth.
• Maintain strong supplier relationships and ensure high-quality supply.
• Collaborate with various teams for proactive stock planning.
• Monitor and report on supplier performance and market trends.

Skills

Strategic mindset

Commercial acumen

Negotiation expertise

Team leadership

Change management

Education

Degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, or related discipline

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Head of Purchasing
Luton, Bedfordshire | Permanent
Full-Time onsite role (37.5 hours, Monday to Friday)

Are you a strategic procurement leader ready to shape and drive purchasing operations in a growing, fast-paced environment?

We are seeking a Head of Purchasing to join our senior leadership team and take full ownership of procurement strategy, supplier performance, and stock availability. This is a pivotal role where you’ll lead a high-performing team, influence business-critical decisions, and ensure the supply chain remains robust, agile, and aligned with evolving customer needs.

What You’ll Be Doing:
• Lead and develop a motivated and results-driven Purchasing team.
• Define and execute a procurement strategy that supports company growth and operational excellence.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships — securing favourable terms and ensuring consistent, high-quality supply.
• Work cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, Product, Finance and Warehouse teams to ensure stock planning and fulfilment is proactive and accurate.
• Use ERP/MRP systems and data to improve forecasting, inventory management and cost control.
• Monitor and report on supplier performance, market trends and risks, delivering cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Support and drive improvements in warehouse inbound logistics and supplier compliance processes.
• Champion sustainability, quality (ISO 9001, 14001), and innovation in procurement practices.

What You’ll Bring:
• Proven experience in a senior procurement, supply chain, or purchasing leadership role.
• A strategic mindset with strong commercial acumen and negotiation expertise.
• Track record of leading high-performing teams and managing change in a dynamic environment.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems and interpreting procurement data.
• Familiarity with inbound logistics processes and warehouse operations.
• A collaborative approach and ability to influence stakeholders across the business.
• Comfortable presenting at senior leadership level and managing procurement KPIs and reporting.
• A degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, or related discipline (preferred).

You’ll Thrive In This Role If You:
• Are a natural leader who brings clarity, ownership and energy to their team.
• Can balance big-picture strategy with day-to-day operational oversight.
• Enjoy building trusted supplier relationships and making data-driven decisions.
• See challenges as opportunities for improvement and growth.
• Are passionate about delivering the right products, at the right time, in the right way.
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Interested in leading a team that plays a crucial role in business success?

Apply today to shape the future of purchasing in a values-led, collaborative environment.