Head of Group Purchasing - Construction in Gateshead, Tyne & Wear

Head of Group Purchasing

Salary: Competitive, depending on experienceJob Type: Permanent

The Role

We are looking for an experienced Head of Group Purchasing to lead and manage procurement activity across the wider business.

The successful candidate will oversee purchasing processes, supplier relationships, commercial negotiations and the timely procurement of materials and services. You will work closely with senior management, pre-construction and site teams to ensure projects receive the required materials and services at the right cost, quality and time.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage group purchasing and procurement activities across multiple departments.
• Purchase materials, goods and services while balancing cost, quality and delivery requirements.
• Manage, support and develop the Buyer, including delegation of tasks, guidance and training.
• Report to senior management on purchasing activity, supplier performance and market changes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and subcontractors.
• Work closely with pre-construction teams on tender enquiries, procurement strategies and value engineering.
• Prepare and issue enquiry packages for construction and civil engineering materials.
• Review and evaluate supplier quotations and negotiate competitive commercial terms.
• Assess and monitor supplier performance, ensuring contractual and commercial requirements are met.
• Place orders and coordinate with site teams to programme deliveries and expedite materials where required.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, order logs and cost comparison spreadsheets.
• Check and approve invoices, resolving pricing and delivery queries where necessary.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Previous experience in a senior purchasing or procurement role.
• Strong commercial awareness with a focus on cost, quality and delivery.
• Excellent supplier negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Good analytical and numerical ability.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Confident using Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to extract accurate information from site and operational teams.
• Ability to manage multiple enquiries, orders and deadlines simultaneously.
• A proactive and commercially minded approach to procurement.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.

Package

• Competitive salary
• Company benefits package
• Opportunity to lead and develop a group-wide purchasing function
• Long-term career progression