Head of Purchasing

An established and forward-thinking retailer is seeking an experienced Head of Retail Purchasing to lead their procurement strategy across a large retail network. This is a senior leadership role reporting into the Head of Revenue & Commercial and plays a pivotal part in shaping the product offering, supplier partnerships, and buying performance within the hard goods retail category.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially driven procurement leader who thrives in fast-paced environments and is passionate about building strong teams, delivering customer value, and driving business growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and deliver category buying strategies that drive commercial performance and long-term value.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team of buyers, providing mentorship, setting clear KPIs, and ensuring continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships to secure quality products at the best value, supporting innovation and business goals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including merchandising, retail operations, e-commerce, finance, and marketing to align procurement activity with customer experience and business strategy.
• Monitor supply chain trends, market pricing, and supplier performance to identify cost-saving opportunities and optimise sourcing.
• Manage purchase order and procurement processes to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery.
• Oversee stock and inventory levels to balance availability with cost efficiency.
• Conduct regular supplier reviews and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Ensure full compliance with industry regulations, internal policies, and sustainability standards.
• Present purchasing performance updates, reports, and forecasts to the senior leadership team.

What You'll Need:

• Minimum 10 years' experience in a senior buying/procurement role, preferably within a retail, agribusiness, or FMCG environment.
• Proven leadership and people management capabilities, including coaching, development, and performance oversight.
• Commercially astute with a strong track record of delivering margin and revenue growth.
• Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Solid understanding of category management, supply chain operations, and procurement best practices.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical, decision-making, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proficiency in digital tools and systems used in modern procurement functions.
• Degree qualified in business, supply chain, procurement or a related discipline.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic and commercial acumen
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills
• Results-driven with a solutions mindset
• Leadership and team development focus
• Risk management and compliance awareness
• Digital fluency in procurement technologies