Head of Purchasing

Central Employment; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Employment in Gateshead is seeking an experienced Head of Group Purchasing to lead and develop the procurement function across a growing business. This hands-on leadership role will mentor two Construction Buyers and deliver best-in-class procurement support across multiple projects.

You will drive purchasing strategy, supplier performance, cost control and procurement best practice while building a high-performing, collaborative team.

Qualifications

• Senior purchasing, procurement or supply chain leadership experience.
• Strong background in the construction sector.
• Experience building and developing purchasing teams.
• Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Commercially aware with strong analytical and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and build cross-functional relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of two Construction Buyers.
• Oversee purchasing across multiple construction projects for value and cost control.
• Develop procurement strategies delivering quality and supply chain resilience.
• Build relationships with key suppliers and subcontractors, negotiating terms.
• Support project teams with planning, supplier selection and value engineering.
• Monitor supplier performance and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Produce procurement reports and strategic recommendations for senior leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement in the purchasing function.

Skills

Leadership

Construction sector experience

Team management

Negotiation

Supplier management

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder influence

Job description

Gateshead | Competitive Salary + Benefits

Are you an experienced procurement professional looking to step into a strategic leadership role while remaining closely involved in day-to-day construction purchasing activities?

We are seeking a Head of Group Purchasing to lead and develop the procurement function across a growing business. This is a hands-on leadership position where your primary focus will be the management, mentoring and development of two Construction Buyers, ensuring the team delivers best-in-class procurement support across multiple projects and business divisions.

Working closely with operational, commercial and project teams, you will be responsible for driving purchasing strategy, supplier performance, cost control and procurement best practice, while creating a high-performing and collaborative purchasing team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of two Construction Buyers, providing guidance, support and performance management.
• Oversee purchasing activities across multiple construction projects, ensuring materials and services are sourced efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies that deliver value, quality and supply chain resilience.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and subcontractors, negotiating favourable terms and agreements.
• Support commercial and project teams with procurement planning, supplier selection and value engineering initiatives.
• Monitor supplier performance, identifying opportunities for improvement and cost savings.
• Produce procurement reports, market insights and strategic recommendations for senior leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement within the purchasing function, ensuring processes remain efficient and commercially focused.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience in a senior purchasing, procurement or supply chain leadership role.
• Strong background within the construction sector.
• Previous experience managing and developing purchasing or buying teams.
• Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Commercially astute with strong analytical and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and build effective working relationships across the business.

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to lead and shape a key procurement function.
• Direct management responsibility for a dedicated team of Construction Buyers.
• Strategic influence across a diverse portfolio of construction projects.
• Collaborative and supportive leadership environment.
• Excellent long-term career prospects.

If you're an experienced procurement leader who enjoys developing people as much as driving commercial performance, we'd love to hear from you.