Head of Purchasing and Sourcing

The Head of Purchasing & Sourcing is responsible for developing and executing the Group's procurement and sourcing strategy, ensuring the business has a resilient, cost-effective and high-performing supply chain. The role leads supplier performance, strategic sourcing, cost reduction initiatives, risk management and procurement governance whilst supporting business growth, operational excellence and customer satisfaction across all group locations. Key responsibilities include: Supplier management & Strategic Sourcing

• Lead all procurement activities across direct and indirect spent categories; focusing on cost optimisation, supplier performance, risk management, quality improvement and supply chain sustainability.
• Develop plus implement a highly effective supplier and product sourcing strategy to meet operational targets delivering customer orders OTIF.
• Lead supplier consolidation and rationalisation programmes.
• Drive year-on-year cost reduction initiatives whilst maintaining product quality and supplier performance.
• Develop global sourcing opportunities.
• Manage supplier risk, continuity and business resilience plans.
• Support ESG and sustainable sourcing objectives.
• Develop and maintain strong strategic relationships with key suppliers.
• Lead supplier selection, tendering, negotiation and contract management activities.
• Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and implement improvement plans where required.
• Monitor supplier capacity, capability, financial stability and operational performance.
• Identify and develop alternative sourcing options to reduce risk and improve competitiveness.
• Support supplier innovation and collaboration initiatives.
• Monitor market trends, material availability and supply chain developments.
• Lead business continuity planning for critical suppliers and products.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, ethical sourcing standards and sustainability requirements Operational Support
• Working closely with Operations, Customer Service, Design, Finance and Commercial teams, to ensure that materials and products are sourced in line with production and project requirements whilst supporting business growth
• Work collaboratively with Production and Sales teams to support on-time delivery.
• Review inventory levels and implement strategies to optimise stock holdings and working capital.
• Support planning activities to ensure supply chain performance aligns with manufacturing schedules.
• Resolve escalated supplier, quality or delivery issues promptly and effectively
• Partner with Product Development and Operations on new product introductions
• Put in place an effective contingency plan to secure future sourcing projects and identify strategic weaknesses, along with being responsible for initiating and implementing continuous improvements across all procurement systems and working processes. Cost management/Commercial performance
• Deliver measurable procurement savings and support margin improvement initiatives.
• Conduct market analysis and benchmarking to ensure competitive purchasing decisions.
• Support new product development activities with effective supplier engagement and cost management.
• Evaluate total cost of ownership when assessing sourcing opportunities.
• Work closely with Finance to support budgeting, forecasting and working capital management. Monitor and
• manage procurement KPIs and savings targets. Key Business Metrics/Measures of success
• Annual procurement spend £Xm.
• Delivered purchasing savings targets.
• Supplier performance KPIs.
• OTIF performance.
• Inventory optimisation.
• Risk mitigation.
• Working capital improvements.
• Procurement savings delivered.
• Supplier OTIF performance.
• Supply chain resilience.
• Inventory optimisation.
• Working capital performance.
• Team engagement and development.
• Customer service performance.
• Successful delivery of sourcing projects. Required skills and experience Essential
• Proven experience leading a purchasing, procurement or sourcing function within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrable success negotiating complex supplier agreements.
• Proven supplier development and supply chain management experience.
• Experience leading and developing procurement teams.
• Builds trust and strong relationships at all levels.
• Demonstrates integrity, accountability and professionalism.
• Is highly organised and commercially minded.
• Challenges constructively and drives positive change.
• Takes ownership and delivers results.
• Has a proactive, solution-focused approach.
• Thrives in a collaborative environment Desirable
• Furniture, seating, interiors or manufacturing sector experience.
• International sourcing experience.
• CIPS qualification.