Purchasing Specialist

Vorwerk UK and Ireland

Bracknell

On-site

GBP 30,000 - 42,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Private Medical Insurance

Employee Discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

A leading household products company in Bracknell is seeking a Purchasing Specialist to manage the end-to-end purchasing cycle and ensure reliable supply chain operations. This role requires strong analytical skills, proficiency in SAP, and the ability to foster relationships with suppliers. The ideal candidate will have a strong financial understanding and be able to negotiate effectively to optimize costs. Join a collaborative team dedicated to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Qualifications

Strong relationship skills with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Ability to make logical decisions with clear documentation.
Understanding of purchasing impacts on P&L and balance sheets.
Proficient in SAP or SAP Business ByDesign.

Responsibilities

Own the end-to-end purchasing cycle.
Set up new suppliers and products in SAP.
Create and maintain standard operating instructions.
Lead supplier selection and negotiations.
Align lead times with demand and make timely buy decisions.

Skills

Relationship building

Analytical skills

Financial literacy

Commercial acumen

Knowledge of SAP

Advanced Excel skills

Supply chain knowledge

Tools

SAP Business ByDesign

SAP

Job description

Vorwerk UK and Ireland provided pay range

This range is provided by Vorwerk UK and Ireland. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Why this role matters

Join Vorwerk’s Operations team to keep our supply chain reliable, cost‑effective, and well‑governed. As a Purchasing Specialist, you’ll be the go‑to expert for sourcing the right products from trusted suppliers, setting up accurate data in our systems, and ensuring deliveries land on time. Your work underpins customer promises, and working‑capital performance across our Thermomix and Kobold business.

What you’ll do

Own the end‑to‑end purchasing cycle: supplier/item setup, PO placement, delivery tracking, and goods receipt.
Set up new suppliers and products in SAP ByDesign with complete, accurate master data (weights, measures, commodity codes).
Obtain, compare, and document quotations; create a clear, auditable trail of pricing and terms.
Create and maintain standard operating instructions to drive consistent, compliant purchasing.
Align lead times with demand; make timely buy decisions to prevent shortages and expedite when needed.
Place POs, monitor order status, arrange and chase deliveries, and resolve discrepancies at receipt.
Maintain preferred supplier lists; review performance and value to keep the list current.
Plan and execute purchasing activities to ensure continuity of supply and healthy stock levels.
Assess and qualify suppliers for quality, reliability, compliance, capacity, and commercial fit.
Lead supplier selection and negotiations to optimise total cost, quality, service, and working capital.
Build strong supplier relationships; run regular performance reviews and drive continuous improvement.
Guide purchased product selection to meet specifications and business needs.

What you bring

Quick to build trust; strong relationship skills with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Analytical and data‑driven; logical decision‑making with clear documentation.
Ability to map critical paths and sequence activities to minimise lead times.
Financial literacy; understands P&L and balance sheet impacts of purchasing choices.
Commercial acumen; knows what drives profitability and corporate objectives.
Broad manufacturing awareness (engineered components, large‑scale processes, small‑batch) or the ability to learn fast.
Working knowledge of print industry processes and international trade/shipment practices.
Proficient in SAP or SAP Business ByDesign; advanced Excel skills.

Founded in 1883 and operating in over 60 countries, Vorwerk builds long‑lasting, high‑quality household products - including Thermomix and Kobold - and delivers them through a trusted direct‑selling model. You’ll join a collaborative operations function that values reliability, initiative, and continuous improvement, making a visible impact on supply performance and value creation.

Where you’ll work

Location: Office‑based role with travel as required to suppliers and Vorwerk sites.
Reporting line: Operations Manager.

Inclusive hiring

We’re an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other protected status. If you need reasonable adjustments during the application process, let us know.

Interested?

If this sounds like you, submit your CV and a short note highlighting relevant purchasing experience, systems expertise (SAP/ByD), and negotiation achievements. We’ll be in touch about next steps.

Benefits include: