Lead Purchasing Manager (Remote)

Placements24; Southampton; Remote; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Fully remote

Executive benefits

Professional development budget

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct is seeking an experienced Lead Purchasing Manager to spearhead procurement from anywhere in a fully remote setup. You will develop strategies, oversee sourcing, negotiation, and contracts, and lead a remote team of procurement professionals to deliver cost savings and efficiencies.

The role demands a strategic mindset, strong analytics, ERP expertise, and a track record of driving supplier performance.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in procurement or purchasing, with leadership exposure.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic sourcing initiatives and achieve cost savings.
• Expertise in contract negotiation, supplier relationships, and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive procurement strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing remote procurement team.
• Oversee sourcing, negotiation, and contracting for major expenditures.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key suppliers for optimal terms.
• Analyze market trends, supplier performance and spend patterns for cost savings and risk mitigation.
• Implement best practices in procurement to drive efficiency and compliance.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to understand procurement needs.
• Manage the procurement budget and ensure adherence to financial targets.
• Oversee procurement tech stack and drive digital transformation.

Skills

Procurement leadership

Strategic sourcing

Contract negotiation

Supplier relationship management

Education

MBA or related field

CIPS certification valued

Tools

ERP systems

Procurement software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct, is seeking an experienced and strategic Lead Purchasing Manager to spearhead their procurement function. This is a critical, fully remote role, offering the opportunity to shape and lead the company's purchasing strategies from anywhere. The Lead Purchasing Manager will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the procurement process, including sourcing, negotiation, contract management, and team leadership. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in procurement leadership, a strong analytical mindset, and a proven ability to drive significant cost savings and operational efficiencies. As a remote-first organization, we are committed to fostering a highly collaborative and productive virtual work environment where you can thrive and lead effectively. This position is instrumental in ensuring the efficient and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services necessary for our client's success. The role demands a high level of autonomy and strategic foresight.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive procurement strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing remote procurement team.
• Oversee all sourcing, negotiation, and contracting activities for major expenditures.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, ensuring optimal terms and performance.
• Analyze market trends, supplier performance, and spending patterns to identify opportunities for cost reduction and risk mitigation.
• Implement best practices in procurement, driving efficiency and compliance across the organization.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and departmental heads to understand and meet procurement needs.
• Manage the procurement budget and ensure adherence to financial targets.
• Oversee the procurement technology stack and drive digital transformation initiatives within the department.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in procurement or purchasing, with at least 3 years in a management or leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategic sourcing initiatives and achieving significant cost savings.
• Expertise in contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, and risk management.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience leading remote teams.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proficiency in major ERP systems and advanced procurement software.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and executive stakeholder management skills.
• Master's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field; relevant professional certifications (e.g., CIPS) are highly valued.
• Proven ability to lead effectively in a fully remote work environment.

Benefits

• Exceptional annual salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Fully remote work arrangement, offering unparalleled flexibility.
• Opportunity to lead and shape a critical function in a growing company.
• Comprehensive executive health, retirement, and insurance benefits.
• Generous vacation and personal leave policies.
• Access to cutting-edge remote collaboration tools and support.
• Professional development budget for continuous learning and growth.