Purchasing & Transport Manager

Overview

WSR are recruiting for a Purchasing & Transport Manager for our reputable client based in Milton Keynes

Job Type: Full-Time, 9 month Fixed Term Contract until 30th April 2027 (Maternity cover)

Location: Milton Keynes

Hybrid working: Work from home 2 days per week

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Purchasing & Transport Manager to join a well-established and growing organisation based in Milton Keynes. This is a key operational role responsible for leading purchasing, procurement and transport activities, ensuring an efficient and cost-effective supply chain while supporting the successful delivery of customer projects.

Reporting to the Operations Director, you will manage the full procurement lifecycle, develop strategic supplier relationships, oversee transport operations and lead a small team. This role would suit someone with strong commercial awareness who enjoys driving continuous improvement, reducing costs and maintaining exceptional service levels.

• Develop and implement purchasing strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Manage the end-to-end procurement process, including supplier sourcing, negotiation, purchase orders and supplier performance.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure quality, reliability and continuity of supply.
• Monitor inventory levels and work closely with warehouse and operations teams to optimise stock management.
• Oversee transport planning, vehicle scheduling and delivery performance.
• Ensure transport operations remain compliant with all relevant legislation and company procedures.
• Produce regular reports covering purchasing performance, transport costs, supplier performance and stock analysis.
• Lead, coach and develop a small team, ensuring high performance and effective cross-training.

The successful candidate will have:

• Previous experience within a Purchasing, Procurement, Supply Chain or Transport Management role.
• Experience working within logistics, warehousing or a related operational environment.
• Strong supplier negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience using ERP systems (Microsoft Business Central or similar would be advantageous).
• Strong analytical skills with confidence producing reports and analysing operational data.
• A proactive, hands-on approach with excellent communication and leadership skills.

• Varied and autonomous management role.
• Opportunity to influence purchasing and transport strategy.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.