Senior Purchasing Manager

ZipRecruiter; Telford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment service based in Telford is seeking a Group Purchasing Manager. This pivotal role involves leading the purchasing function, negotiating with suppliers, and driving cost reductions. Ideal candidates will have proven experience in wholesale or e-commerce procurement, strong analytical skills, and the ability to lead a small team. Competitive salary plus bonus and flexible working are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Bonus

Pension

Flexible/hybrid working

Qualifications

• Proven experience in wholesale, retail, or e-commerce group buying/procurement.
• Strong commercial acumen for economies of scale.
• Highly analytical with advanced Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and centralise the purchasing function.
• Manage a small team for effective admin and buying support.
• Take ownership of supplier negotiations and contract renewals.
• Deliver significant cost savings and robust inventory management.
• Use data to optimise buying decisions and track performance.

Skills

Wholesale procurement

E-commerce group buying

Cost reduction

Supplier negotiation

Advanced Excel skills

Leadership

Supplier relationship management

Tools

Purchasing/ERP systems

Job description

The Opportunity

We are looking for an outstanding, data-drivenGroup Purchasing Manager / Head of Buyingto join our Telford HQ. Reporting to senior management, you’ll lead our central purchasing function—overseeing a small team, managing supplier negotiations (China, UK, Europe), and using your analytical skills to drive aggressive cost reductions, better terms, and improved supply chain performance.

You’ll become the “face” of our purchasing team—owning supplier relationships, modernising our buying processes, and helping the business scale profitably.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and centralise the purchasing function based in Telford
• Manage and develop a small team of existing employees (two) for best-in-class admin and buying support
• Take full ownership of supplier negotiations, contract renewals, and building strong, strategic supplier partnerships (especially China, UK, and Europe)
• Deliver aggressive cost savings, smarter purchasing decisions, and robust stock/inventory management
• Use data, market insights, and advanced Excel analysis to optimise buying decisions and track supplier performance
• Streamline, digitalise, and improve purchasing systems and reporting
• Collaborate with warehouse, sales, and finance teams to drive overall business profitability
• Act as the “face” of purchasing for the business, representing us professionally with all suppliers and partners

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in wholesale, retail, or e-commerce group buying/procurement (ideally with exposure to China/Asia supply chain)
• Track record of successful cost reductions, negotiation wins, and process improvements
• Strong commercial acumen—can spot and deliver on economies of scale
• Highly analytical, advanced Excel skills, comfortable using data to drive decisions
• Leadership or team management experience (even small teams)
• Personable and confident—able to represent our brand and build strong supplier relationships
• Experience with purchasing/ERP systems a plus
• Proactive, hungry, and happy to take ownership

What We Offer

• A pivotal leadership role in a profitable, growing group business
• Real impact—drive savings, make change, and shape our future
• Supportive, ambitious team with an open culture
• Competitive salary + bonus, pension, and flexible/hybrid working possible

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person