Purchasing Lead

Excellent Purchasing Lead Opportunity! Hybrid!
  
Harrogate office location.
  
This is a first-class Purchasing Lead position;
The Purchasing Manager is responsible for executing the procurement strategy across one of my clients  divisions, ensuring cost-effective, reliable and high-quality supply of all products including plants, trees, landscaping materials and associated goods.
This role plays a critical part in delivering margin improvement, supplier performance, and stock availability across a multi-site operation. Working closely with Supply Chain, Planning and Category Management teams, the Purchasing Manager ensures that procurement activity is aligned to demand, seasonality and divisional growth objectives.

WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU?
Annual base Salary – Highly competitive – Depending on experience
Hybrid – 3 days office, 2 days from home
Office Location – Harrogate area
1 direct report
Monday to Friday working hours
33 days holiday leave, inclusive of bank holidays.
Upwardly mobile business encountering consistent growth, a market leader within their niche.
Permanent position from day one
A clear voice within the business.
Extremely positive culture
Ongoing continuous investment within the business!
Business is a hugely recognised and respected PLC.

THE BUSINESS  
Our client specialises within the Agricultural & Horticultural sectors, they are a true market leader within their niche.

THE ROLE
 
Source and procure products across key categories (e.g. plants, trees, aggregates, landscaping materials)
Place and manage purchase orders in line with demand plans and stock policies
Ensure continuity of supply across all sites, particularly during peak seasonal periods
Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers including growers, nurseries and manufacturers
Monitor supplier performance across cost, quality, service and reliability
Support contract negotiations and pricing reviews
Proactively identify and mitigate supply risks (weather, seasonality, availability, pricing volatility)
Deliver cost savings and cost avoidance initiatives
Track and manage purchase price variance (PPV)
Support margin improvement through effective sourcing and range optimisation
Challenge pricing, minimum order quantities and commercial terms
Work closely with the Planning function to align purchasing with forecasts
Ensure stock is ordered in line with agreed stock policies and working capital targets
Support reduction of excess, obsolete and slow-moving stock
Manage lead times and order cycles to optimise stock availability
Partner with Site Managers and Warehouse teams to ensure smooth inbound flow of goods
Work closely with Sales and Customer Service teams to support availability and customer commitments
Collaborate with Logistics on inbound freight planning and efficiency
Support new product introductions and range changes
Ensure accurate and timely processing of purchase orders within ERP systems
Maintain data integrity (pricing, supplier records, lead times, MOQ, etc.)
Follow and enforce procurement processes and governance standards
Support continuous improvement of purchasing processes and systems
Support sustainable sourcing initiatives aligned to divisional and group ESG goals
Promote responsible supplier practices and traceability where applicable
Contribute to reduction of waste and environmental impact in the supply chain  
THE PERSON
 
Proven experience in a purchasing or procurement role within a multi-site or distribution environment
Strong supplier management and negotiation skills
Driving licence is essential
Experience working with seasonal, perishable or demand-variable products (highly desirable)
Commercially astute with a strong focus on cost and margin
Experience using ERP systems for purchasing and inventory management
Strong analytical capability and attention to detail
Ability to operate at pace and manage competing priorities
Exposure to demand planning or S&OP processes
Understanding of logistics and inbound freight considerations    
DESIRABLE
 
Experience in landscaping, horticulture, agriculture, materials or Merchant Sectors.
Experience working with growers, nurseries or import supply chains    
TO APPLY
Please apply for this position and your CV will go direct to Kyle Jevons at Westray Recruitment Group