Purchasing Manager

Albert Bartlett; Airdrie; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Albert Bartlett seeks a Purchasing Manager to oversee procurement operations and supplier relationships, ensuring cost efficiency and quality standards. This role requires over 5 years of procurement experience, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to drive operational excellence. Join a dynamic team committed to quality and innovation in the potato industry.

Benefits

Pension Plans

Life Assurance

Leave Package

Employee Assistance Programme - Counseling

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in procurement, ideally in FMCG or manufacturing.
• Strong communicator and negotiator.
• Proven people manager with talent development skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with company goals.
• Manage supplier relationships and conduct benchmarking analysis.
• Optimize purchasing systems and address inquiries across functions.

Skills

Negotiation

Market Analysis

Supplier Management

Strategic Sourcing

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

CIPS qualification or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP systems (preferably Infor M3)

Job description

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Albert Bartlett has been a leader in the potato industry since 1948, dedicated to delivering the highest quality produce while maintaining sustainable practices. Recognized as the UK’s premier supplier of potatoes, we operate with a commitment to innovation and quality across our sourcing and procurement functions. We are seeking an experienced and strategic Purchasing Manager to join our team and take the lead in managing all purchasing activities.

This is exciting opportunity for a dynamic individual with an eye for detail and a drive for operational excellence. The Purchasing Manager will lead procurement operations across specialised materials, packaging, equipment, and services. With full accountability for supplier relationships, category pricing, and compliance. The manager will be a vital link between suppliers, internal teams, and business goals, ensuring the right materials at the right cost.

In this role, you will be responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies that align with our company goals, ensuring that we have the right products at the right time and at the right price. Your expertise in supplier negotiation, market analysis, and strategic sourcing will be essential in maintaining quality and efficiency across our operations. If you are ready to advance your career in procurement and make a significant impact in a dynamic environment, we encourage you to apply!

Site based

Working hours: Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM

Core Responsibilities

Create and execute purchasing plans aligned with production schedules and business objectives.

Take full ownership of assigned category ranges, including cost negotiations, supplier performance, and relationship development.

Evaluate current suppliers and conduct benchmarking analysis to ensure the business secures best pricing, quality, and service levels.

Develop and nurture long-term supplier partnerships, including contingency planning and regular performance reviews.

Identify and onboard new suppliers through robust evaluation protocols covering cost, capacity, stability, and strategic fit.

Systems Management & Process Optimisation

Maintain and optimise purchasing systems and ERP tools. Ensuring accurate records and efficient workflows.

Support cross-functional teams in understanding procurement procedures and resolving queries, enhancing transparency and collaboration.

Review purchase requisitions for completeness and determine appropriate sourcing strategies based on spend thresholds and importance.

Drive improvements in invoicing processes, working closely with finance to eliminate discrepancies and streamline transactions.

Act as the primary procurement liaison with departments such as Production, Distribution, Warehousing, and New Product Development (NPD).

Forecast material requirements and communicate expected demand to suppliers, preventing stock shortages and production delays.

Advise NPD teams on suitable suppliers and sourcing options to align with innovation, compliance regulations, and overall purchasing strategy.

Ensure seamless new product launches by securing necessary materials, negotiating lead times, and monitoring supplier deliverables.

Reporting

Support the business's commercial goals by delivering on cost-saving targets without compromising quality or reliability.

Contribute to the Board Report monthly.

Visit and host key suppliers, prepare detailed visit reports, and capture feedback that fuels continuous improvement.

Requirements

Minimum 5+ years of experience in procurement, preferably within FMCG, manufacturing, or packaging-related industries.

Demonstrated success in cost reduction, supplier development, and cross-functional collaboration.

CIPS or equivalent professional qualification is highly desirable but not essential

Strong grasp of global and local markets, particularly in the packaging industry

Strong communicator and skilled negotiator who builds trust and drives value

Strong capability in handling data, performing market analyses

Proven people manager who develops talent, inspires performance, and leads by example

Proficient in Microsoft Office and ERP systems (preferably Infor M3)

Sound understanding of regulatory environments, including packaging regulations and H&S protocols

• Pension Plans
• Life Assurance
• Leave Package
• Employee Assistance Programme - Counseling