Purchasing Manager

Select Appointments; Tetford; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic FMCG company is seeking a Purchasing Manager for 12-month maternity cover. Join a fast-paced environment where you'll lead all procurement activities, manage supplier relationships, and drive strategic insights. The ideal candidate has strong experience in purchasing within the FMCG sector and will support a small team. This role offers hybrid working and the opportunity to significantly impact business growth.

Benefits

Hybrid working flexibility

Collaborative team culture

Opportunity for impact

Qualifications

• Strong previous experience in a senior purchasing role is essential.
• Experience in the FMCG sector is essential.
• Previous experience managing a small team is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage all procurement activities for goods and services.
• Lead supplier negotiations and contract management.
• Develop and implement supply strategies aligned with business goals.
• Analyze market trends and present recommendations to senior management.
• Monitor purchasing budgets and supplier performance.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support projects.

Skills

Strong negotiation skills

Stakeholder management skills

Analytical ability

Organised and adaptable

Experience with procurement systems

Education

CIPS, degree or equivalent in Logistics, Business Administration, or Purchasing

Job description

Purchasing Manager (12-Month Maternity Cover)

Location: Hybrid – Home/Factory (Thetford) or Home/London Office

Salary: Up to £50,000 DOE

Contract: 12-Month Fixed Term (Maternity Cover, starting January 2025)

About the Company

This is a dynamic, fast-moving FMCG business that prides itself on operational excellence and innovation. You’ll be joining a team that values efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality across its supply chain and procurement functions.

The company invests in its people, offering opportunities to lead a small but highly impactful team, make strategic decisions, and see tangible results from your work. With a focus on continuous improvement and collaboration, you’ll have the chance to influence business growth, optimise processes, and build strong relationships with key suppliers and internal stakeholders.

If you thrive in a hands‑on environment where your skills directly shape outcomes, this role offers both challenge and reward.

About the Role

We’re seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to take ownership of the company’s procurement function, managing third‑party suppliers and ensuring the smooth delivery of materials, products, and services. This role is key to driving value, negotiating contracts, controlling budgets, and providing strategic insights to senior management. You’ll lead procurement activities across the business, applying best‑in‑class sourcing and supplier management practices to deliver cost, quality, and compliance objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all procurement activities for goods and services.
• Lead supplier negotiations, tender processes, and contract management.
• Develop and implement supply strategies aligned with business goals.
• Analyse market trends and present strategic recommendations to senior management.
• Monitor and manage purchasing budgets, delivery schedules, and supplier performance.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Lead and support a small purchasing team, ensuring high standards and ongoing development.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to support projects and S&OP processes.

About You

Qualifications

CIPS, degree, or equivalent in Logistics, Business Administration, or Purchasing (desirable).

Experience

• Strong previous experience in a senior purchasing role (essential).
• Experience in the FMCG sector (essential).
• Exposure to packaging, materials, or chemical environments (desirable).
• Previous experience managing a small team (essential).

Skills & Attributes

• Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Commercially astute with strong analytical ability.
• Highly organised, adaptable, and comfortable working to deadlines.
• Confident using procurement systems and IT tools.
• Proactive, collaborative, and motivated to drive results.

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to lead procurement for a respected FMCG brand.
• Hybrid working (home and site‑based flexibility).
• Join a collaborative, supportive team culture.
• See real, measurable impact from your work.

Interested? Apply now or contact Katie Dobson at Select Recruitment for more information.