Is this the next step in your career Find out if you are the right candidate by reading through the complete overview below. Salary: £40,000 per annum Contract: Maternity Cover – 9 to 12 months, with potential to become permanent About the Role We are looking for an experienced, commercially minded Procurement Lead to join our growing team on a maternity cover basis for approximately 9–12 months. There is also the potential for the position to become permanent, should the existing post holder not return. This is a key role within our business and an exciting opportunity for someone who combines strong procurement expertise with excellent business acumen. You will play a central role in improving profitability, developing our supplier relationships, expanding our product range and ensuring we have the right products, at the right price, at the right time. Working within a small team of three, you will supervise a Buyer and Administrator and work closely with our Commercial Manager and Buying Team, who focus primarily on stock replenishment. We are looking for someone who is confident making commercial decisions, is not afraid to negotiate hard, and can identify opportunities to reduce costs, increase gross profit (GP) and improve overall business performance. Key Responsibilities Supplier & Procurement Management Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with our key UK suppliers. Develop closer partnerships with our top suppliers to drive improved pricing, terms and higher gross profit. Negotiate confidently and commercially to secure the best possible deals for the business. Identify opportunities for retrospective rebates, improved margins, discounts and other commercial benefits. Challenge existing supplier arrangements and seek better value wherever possible. Consolidate our supplier base where appropriate to improve efficiency, purchasing power and profitability. Manage supplier performance and address any issues relating to pricing, availability, quality or service. Product Range Development Review and continually develop our product range based on commercial performance and customer demand. Analyse what is selling — and, importantly, what isn't — and make informed decisions about which products should be expanded, reduced or discontinued. Identify opportunities for new products and suppliers. Lead the decision-making process and launches for new product lines, from initial sourcing through to introduction. Ensure the range remains commercially competitive and aligned with market opportunities. Profitability & Commercial Performance Take ownership of procurement decisions that directly impact cost reduction and gross profit. Analyse purchasing, sales and margin data to identify opportunities to improve profitability. Use strong commercial judgement to make decisions that benefit the wider business rather than simply focusing on purchase price. Continuously look for opportunities to improve supplier terms, product margins and overall profitability. Monitor market conditions and supplier pricing to ensure we remain commercially competitive. Be commercially savvy and prepared to negotiate firmly to achieve the best possible outcome. Stock & Supply Chain Oversee stocking and supply chain requirements for our top-selling products. Work closely with the Buying Team to ensure stock availability and continuity of supply. Review stockholding requirements and make commercially sensible decisions around what should be held in-house. Work towards reducing our reliance on direct deliveries (DD) where appropriate, in favour of holding more stock in-house to improve reliability, availability and control. Identify potential supply chain risks and put proactive solutions in place. Balance stock availability with working capital and profitability considerations. Team & Collaboration Supervise and support a small team consisting of a Buyer and Administrator. Work closely with the Commercial Manager to align procurement activity with wider commercial objectives. Collaborate with the Buying Team, who are responsible for replenishing stock, to ensure procurement and replenishment strategies work effectively together. Share commercial insight and supplier intelligence across the business. Take ownership of procurement decisions and confidently communicate recommendations to senior management. About You We are looking for someone who is commercially astute, confident and proactive, with the ability to see beyond the day-to-day purchasing function and understand how procurement decisions affect the wider business. You will ideally have experience in a Procurement, Buying, Purchasing or Commercial role, with a strong understanding of supplier management and negotiation. You will be someone who: Has excellent business and commercial acumen. Is confident negotiating with suppliers and is not afraid to negotiate hard when required. Has a proven ability to identify opportunities to reduce costs and increase gross profit. Is analytical and comfortable using sales, margin and purchasing data to make informed decisions. Can identify trends and understand what sells, what doesn't, and why. Is confident making decisions and taking ownership of the outcome. Has strong relationship-building skills and can develop effective, long-term supplier partnerships. Thinks strategically while remaining hands-on and commercially practical. Has excellent organisational skills and can manage multiple priorities. Is comfortable working in a small, fast-moving team where your decisions can have a real impact. Has leadership experience or the confidence and ability to supervise and develop others. Why Join Us? This is an excellent opportunity to join a naturally growing business where procurement is recognised as a key driver of commercial success. xrexnqw You will have the opportunity to make a genuine difference to the business, influence our supplier strategy and product range, and take ownership of initiatives that directly improve profitability. The package includes: £40,000 per annum Workplace pension Free on-site parking Birthday vouchers Long-service vouchers A naturally growing and ambitious business Excellent opportunities for career progression for the right candidate The potential for the role to become permanent following the maternity cover period
