Head of Purchasing

Head of Purchasing
Luton, Bedfordshire | Permanent
Full-Time onsite role (37.5 hours, Monday to Friday)

Are you a strategic procurement leader ready to shape and drive purchasing operations in a growing, fast-paced environment?

We are seeking a Head of Purchasing to join our senior leadership team and take full ownership of procurement strategy, supplier performance, and stock availability. This is a pivotal role where you’ll lead a high-performing team, influence business-critical decisions, and ensure the supply chain remains robust, agile, and aligned with evolving customer needs.

What You’ll Be Doing:
•    Lead and develop a motivated and results-driven Purchasing team.
•    Define and execute a procurement strategy that supports company growth and operational excellence.
•    Build and maintain strong supplier relationships — securing favourable terms and ensuring consistent, high-quality supply.
•    Work cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, Product, Finance and Warehouse teams to ensure stock planning and fulfilment is proactive and accurate.
•    Use ERP/MRP systems and data to improve forecasting, inventory management and cost control.
•    Monitor and report on supplier performance, market trends and risks, delivering cost savings and efficiency improvements.
•    Support and drive improvements in warehouse inbound logistics and supplier compliance processes.
•    Champion sustainability, quality (ISO 9001, 14001), and innovation in procurement practices.

What You’ll Bring:
•    Proven experience in a senior procurement, supply chain, or purchasing leadership role.
•    A strategic mindset with strong commercial acumen and negotiation expertise.
•    Track record of leading high-performing teams and managing change in a dynamic environment.
•    Experience working with ERP/MRP systems and interpreting procurement data.
•    Familiarity with inbound logistics processes and warehouse operations.
•    A collaborative approach and ability to influence stakeholders across the business.
•    Comfortable presenting at senior leadership level and managing procurement KPIs and reporting.
•    A degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, or related discipline (preferred).

You’ll Thrive In This Role If You:
•    Are a natural leader who brings clarity, ownership and energy to their team.
•    Can balance big-picture strategy with day-to-day operational oversight.
•    Enjoy building trusted supplier relationships and making data-driven decisions.
•    See challenges as opportunities for improvement and growth.
•    Are passionate about delivering the right products, at the right time, in the right way.
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Interested in leading a team that plays a crucial role in business success?

Apply today to shape the future of purchasing in a values-led, collaborative environment.