Beeswift is a manufacturer and wholesaler of personal protective equipment, workwear and medical supplies. As a leading supplier and manufacturer within our industry, we provide quality PPE from head to toe, offering customers superior durability and improved comfort. From our 144,000 sqft Headquarters in Birmingham, we distribute globally from stock.
We pride ourselves on our ethical standards, holding a number of accreditations and associations including the Ethical Trade Initiative (ETI), EcoVadis (Gold standard), members of Sedex, BSIF (British Safety Industry Federation), RSSS (Registered Safety Supplier Scheme) and BHTA (British Healthcare Trade Association). We also hold ISO 9001:2015 and 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 certifications.
We are "Focused On Safety."
About the role
As a Purchasing Director, you will be responsible for the ongoing development and implementation of our purchasing strategy and activity, and for ensuring optimal supplier performance and price.
You will ensure the function is operating in line with our business objectives to add value, mitigate supply chain risk and deliver cost savings. You will develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships through effective contract management to deliver continuous improvement in delivery of goods and services by our supply base. You will also work closely with our Sales function to ensure product development is a priority.
You will also be responsible for leading our Category Managers and Technical team, ensuring their success through continual development and nurturing.
The role will report into our Chief Operations Officer, and will be a full-time office based role.
The Candidate
Requirements
Educated to degree level in a relevant commercial or engineering discipline or equivalent NVQ Level 7 qualification (desirable, but not essential based on experience)
Preferably a Fellow or Member of The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) (desirable, but not essential based on experience)
Demonstrable experience of leading a purchasing function with a proven track record in strategic purchasing leadership delivering effective purchasing strategies, policies, processes and systems
Knowledge and technical understanding of garment manufacturing and sourcing processes, including full supply chain management
Duties and Responsibilities
Strategy and development
Overall responsibility for purchasing and cost of goods into the business
Create and implement best practice purchasing vision, strategy, policies, processes and procedures to aid and improve business performance
Ensure that purchasing strategies and processes are in place to meet business objectives and operational needs in terms of price, quality and delivery targets, which enables the company to function and compete effectively in the market to include: terms and conditions, supplier selection/deselection, evaluation and rationalisation of supply chain solutions including quality and price selection by vendor
Evaluate the challenges faced by the business and take action to mitigate risks and develop opportunities
Contribute to overall business strategy and annual budget process
Take ownership of the purchasing policy, guidelines and any associated documents
General and Task Management
Responsible for managing relationships and negotiating contract terms with key suppliers at a senior and strategic level to ensure value for money, quality standards and delivery terms with technical and operational input from stakeholders if appropriate
Forecast price and market trends to identify changes of balance in buyer/supplier power
Seek and partner with reliable vendors and suppliers
Develop an overall vendor base which creates and sustains a competitive advantage, utilising global market exploitation, leveraging sends and leveraging technologies
Develop, implement and maintain a supplier relationship and evaluation process to measure effective supplier performance and compliance
Ensure professional and consistent supplier management is applied across the supply base in line with the purchasing policy
Work on research and development to source new and alternative raw materials including those with environmental benefits
People management
Provide leadership to our Purchasing and Technical departments by coaching, mentoring and developing direct reports to manage a high performing team that delivers continuous improvement and added value
Set department objectives and monitor ongoing progress and performance
Ensure strong communication from these teams to internal and external stakeholders to facilitate the exchange of important information in a timely manner, and to ensure effective improvement where appropriate
Work alongside our Head of People to ensure appropriate training and development is provided to enable them to achieve the operational and financial metrics within their areas of responsibility and succeed in their roles
Complete regular performance reviews, manage attendance, holidays, disciplinary issues and People procedures as appropriate
Relationship management
Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure optimal performance of the Purchasing and Technical departments to facilitate delivery and compliance with the purchasing strategy
Communicate with stakeholders the impact of market change and potential effects on supply, and recommend solutions without compromising quality or service while optimising cost
Contribute to new business initiatives and projects and review and communicate the impact on Purchasing and Technical activities
Environmental
Review environmental strategies that impact on future ways of operating and ensure implementation where possible
Review the use of technological systems that support a more environmentally friendly approach
Review opportunities to establish new raw materials and manufacturing processes that contribute to saving our environment and to changing our industry
Self management
Be an ambassador of our Company values: integrity, passion, teamwork and work ethic
Proven leadership and management skills with the ability to optimise team performance
Excellent relationship management skills with the ability to engage, negotiate and manage key stakeholders and suppliers
Excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills
Excellent analytical and problem solving abilities
Results orientated with ability to plan and deliver against project deadlines
Commercially and financially astute with experience of managing budgets
Please be aware that the successful applicant will be required to provide evidence of their settled status in the UK.
Package and Benefits
Full
time working hours are fixed between the hours of 8am to 5.30pm, totalling 37.5 hours per week with a 30 minute unpaid lunch break.
Other benefits include:
33 days’ annual leave per annum, including Bank Holidays (increasing to a maximum of 38 days’ annual leave through our long service recognition scheme)
Enhanced pension package, with an employer contribution of 8%
Holiday sacrifice scheme
Enhanced Maternity and Adoption/ Paternity Leave (or equivalent)
Enhanced bereavement leave
Life insurance of 5x annual salary
Health insurance cover in the event of longterm sickness
Employee wellbeing scheme, including an Employee Assistance Programme
Our office is newly refurbished and there is free on
site parking.
We understand that our people are what makes us successful in our goal of being the leading global provider of PPE, workwear and safety solutions.
You’ll be joining a company where personal growth is promoted and where equal opportunities for progression are offered to all members of staff. We strive to create a supportive working environment for all of our employees.
It’s our integrity, passion, teamwork and work ethic that brings the Beeswift team together.
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