Purchasing & Transport Manager (Maternity Leave Cover)

At Brandsafe, we design, manufacture, and install high-visibility impact protection systems for industrial workplaces. Our innovative solutions protect warehouses, logistics hubs, and manufacturing sites by combining modern design, compliance, and durability.

We are actively recruiting for a Purchasing & Transport Manager to join our team in the Milton Keynes area. This role will cover maternity leave on a 9 month fixed term contract and is based at Head Office, with the opportunity to work remotely 2 days per week.

The Purchasing & Transport Manager is responsibl e for strategic sourcing and operational buying, enabling the wider team to meet project objectives consistently and sustainably. In addition, you will be responsible for managing the day-to-day transport activities with focus on legal compliance, cost efficiencies and service delivery.

Responsibilities

Purchasing

• Develop and implement purchasing strategies that align with company objectives.
• Manage the full procurement cycle, including sourcing, negotiating contracts, issuing purchase orders, and monitoring supplier performance.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and process improvements to optimise spend and efficiency.
• Evaluate and analysis suppliers, making selections based on quality, cost, reliability, and service.
• Management and optimisation of new and existing supplier accounts through effective processes and efficient response times.
• Monitor inventory levels in collaboration with warehouse, production, and operations teams, reporting on holding and movements.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, tracking key metrics such as cost, delivery times, and supplier performance.
• Resolve supply issues, delays, or quality concerns promptly.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards, and legal requirements.
• Prepare and present reports on purchasing activities, budget forecasts, and cost analyses.

Transport

• Plan, organise, and manage transport operations to ensure timely delivery and optimal fleet utilisation.
• Oversee vehicle scheduling, route planning, and load allocation.
• Monitor daily transport activities, resolving issues promptly to maintain service levels.
• Ensure all transport activities comply with relevant laws, regulations, and company policies.

Leadership

• Create and nurture a high performance, positive working environment.
• Coach and lead direct reports where necessary to continuously develop skills and boost performance.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal departments and external partners.
• Support business planning and contribute to operational strategy, attending team meetings where required.

Success Management

• Build and maintain effective supplier working relationships.
• Achieve targeted costs without compromising on quality of service or product.
• Weekly/monthly reporting on purchasing and transport cost, with data analysis.
• Low risk approach to supplier chain through the development of strategic diverse partnerships, whilst maintaining industry quality levels.
• Monthly reporting on stock management, with the continued effort to fabricate in-house stock, driving down stock value.
• Engagement with wider departments to ensure accurate and timely completion of projects.
• Meet or exceed customer's expectations on the supply and delivery of goods.

Education

Essential

• Good standard of general education backed by a track record of continuing professional development. 

Desirable

• Management Qualification (Level 3)
• Purchasing Qualification (Level 3)

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Experience within the Logistics, Warehouse & Storage Industry.
• Exemplary communication and supplier engagement skills.
• Able to prioritise, develop work schedule, and influence others to achieve results.
• Collaborate effectively with others to ensure business improvements and efficiency.
• Knowledge and understanding of products and systems of work within the industry. 
• Knowledge of Microsoft Business Central or other ERP system would be advantageous.

Aptitudes/Attributes

• Capable of working to challenging deadlines and managing multiple tasks efficiently.
• Self-motivated, hands-on, can-do attitude.
• Able to work independently and autonomously when required.
• A result orientated problem solver.
• High attention to detail, tenacious, persistent, and balanced
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships, using communication skills.
• Able to articulate technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively lead and coach reporting team members.

Package & Benefits

• 38.5 hours per week Monday to Friday
• 25 days holiday (service increment scheme in place)
• Health Care Cash Plan (available from day one)
• Company sick pay support scheme (after completion of probation)
• Employee Assistance Programme (including 1:1 counselling)
• Group Life Assurance - 2x annual salary (after 5 years' service)
• PERKS retailer discount scheme