Head of Purchasing

APEX APPOINT LTD; Crewe; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading FMCG manufacturer in Crewe seeks a commercially-minded Head of Purchasing to lead the procurement function. This role involves strategic oversight and hands-on management, focusing on supplier relationships and sustainability. Ideal candidates will have strong procurement experience in manufacturing and a desire for leadership.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in procurement within a manufacturing environment.
• Confidence managing spend across multiple sites.
• Desire to step into a leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Lead and evolve the procurement function across all sites.
• Shape supplier partnerships and drive sustainability initiatives.
• Full ownership of purchasing strategy and delivery.

Skills

Procurement

Team Leadership

Strategic Mindset

Job description

We’re working with a leading FMCG manufacturer, headquartered in Crewe, with multiple UK sites and a strong reputation in their sector.

They’re growing, investing, and now looking for a commercially-mindedHead of Purchasingto lead and evolve the procurement function across all sites. This will involve the occasional travel to Ledbury, UK.

This is not a role for someone who just wants to maintain the status quo.

It’s for someone who understands that good purchasing isn’t just about cost- it’s about value, risk, resilience, and relationships.

You’ll have full ownership of purchasing strategy and delivery. That includes direct materials, packaging, and indirects. You’ll be expected to shape supplier partnerships, optimise costs, drive sustainability initiatives, and bring structure and clarity to a critical part of the business.

A few things you’ll need to bring to the table:

• Strong experience in procurement/purchasing within a manufacturing environment (FMCG experience would be ideal)
• Confidence managing spend across multiple sites
• A strategic mindset, but equally happy rolling your sleeves up when needed
• Team leadership experience – or a clear desire to step into a leadership role

You’ll be joining a business that genuinely values procurement.

You’ll have the trust of senior leadership, the autonomy to make changes, and the support to make a real impact.

If you’re ready to take control of a high-impact role with real influence- and you like the sound of building something, not just maintaining it– we’d love to hear from you.