Head of Strategic Purchasing & Procurement

1st Executive Ltd; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

1st Executive Ltd, part of a FTSE 100 group, seeks a Head of Commercial Buying & Procurement in Manchester to lead and shape the procurement function within a growing business. You will drive category strategies, supplier partnerships and commercial performance, reporting to the Managing Director and guiding two direct reports.

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in food, hospitality, care or healthcare sectors, with proven ability to deliver margin growth and value through strategic

Qualifications

• We are seeking an experienced Buying/Procurement leader with a proven track record in delivering results through category management.
• Strong strategic buying and procurement experience across relevant sectors.
• Excellent negotiation and relationship management skills with a commercial mindset.

Responsibilities

• Develop category strategies to improve margin, cost savings and rebate income.
• Build and manage strategic supplier relationships and negotiate commercial agreements.
• Develop supplier segmentation and rationalisation strategies.
• Strengthen supply resilience through risk management, multi-sourcing and supplier performance monitoring.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, new products and improved customer value.
• Embed procurement governance, compliance and data-led decision making.
• Collaborate with Finance to support pricing strategy and benchmarking.
• Champion ethical sourcing, sustainability and product safety.
• Lead, mentor and develop the procurement team.

Skills

Strategic buying

Procurement negotiation

Supplier relationship management

Margin management

Total cost of ownership

Procurement analytics

ERP systems

Job description

1st Executive Ltd, part of a FTSE 100 group, seeks a Head of Commercial Buying & Procurement in Manchester to lead and shape the procurement function within a growing business. You will drive category strategies, supplier partnerships and commercial performance, reporting to the Managing Director and guiding two direct reports.

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in food, hospitality, care or healthcare sectors, with proven ability to deliver margin growth and value through strategic