Purchasing Specialist Job type: Permanent Salary: From £30,000 / annum Hours of work: Monday - Friday, hybrid working available Location: Office based, Bardon Distribution Centre, North-West Leicestershire VF Corporation is looking to recruit a new Purchasing Specialist to join our analytics support function and be based at our modern, automated UK Distribution Centre in Bardon, Leicestershire! VF is a global apparel company connecting people to the lifestyles they cherish through our family of iconic brands. At the heart of our journey lies our purpose: We power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. This is our purpose. It's the reason we come to work every day. Our purpose unites us and leads us to pursue our goals, together. This is our calling. Let's Talk about the Role The Purchasing Specialist position is a critical role within our UK Supply Chain and the Distribution Centre, ensuring that we have all the right products, consumables and packaging for our operational needs. The team monitor and control the supply and usage of all consumables within the operation to make sure that demands are met by working closely with suppliers and partners to deliver the best quality, service and cost for the business. The Purchasing Specialist is at the forefront of our environmental sustainability and compliance, providing reports on waste and packaging performance. How You Will Make a Difference - Procurement & Cost Management: Manage procurement processes, negotiate supplier contracts, monitor performance, and ensure cost-effective purchasing aligned with budgets - Reporting & Finance Support: Provide monthly reports, support month-end closings, and communicate with Finance on budget and off-term purchases - Quality Assurance: Oversee consumables planning and purchasing; implement corrective actions based on data analysis; managing supplier feedback and penalties for poor quality - Operational Planning: Lead event strategy and peak planning, conducting weekly reviews to ensure delivery targets are met and forecasts are accurate - Inventory & Delivery Oversight: Track consumables inventory, supplier performance, and delivery quality; support zero waste initiatives and planning team coverage - Adaptability & Collaboration: Demonstrate flexibility in response to changing site needs and priorities; work collaboratively across departments to drive results - Safety & Wellbeing: Promote and reward excellence in safety, health, and environmental practices across the Distribution Centre - Environmental & Sustainability: Support site-wide environmental and wellbeing initiatives; contributing to sustainability compliance and reporting in collaboration with EMEA teams - Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with site and brand stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment with brand objectives - Compliance & Ethics: Ensure supplier adherence to policies on modern slavery, forced labour, and working conditions; maintain compliance across purchasing activities. Skills for Success We are seeking a detail-oriented and commercially minded individual, perhaps coming from a background in accounting or budgeting, but we are open to different profiles and experience, transferring your skills from a wide variety of industries and departments The ideal candidate will have strong communication and negotiation skills, fluency in spoken and written English, and proficiency in MS Office, particularly Word and Excel. - Analytical thinking and accuracy - Independence and entrepreneurial spirit - Customer focus - A collaborative, results-driven approach. - Previous experience within a similar Distribution Centre, especially within automated eCommerce, retail, or wholesale environments could be beneficial, but certainly not essential What's in it For You We're in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy and commitment of our people. That's why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical and financial well-being for all VF associates. When it comes to benefits, we're the total package: - A supportive feedback-based culture where respect and integrity guide us in what we do - An inclusive international environment where people of diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and nationalities love working together - Be part of an iconic lifestyle brand in a multi brand, multi countries organization - Subsidised canteen and break out areas offering complimentary hot drinks - Health Shield membership and access to numerous health and wellbeing initiatives including an on-site gym - 25 days holiday rising with length of service bank holidays and your birthday off - Smart pension scheme - 8% employer contribution - Free secure onsite parking - A discount card with 50% off on all VF brands? Free to Be, Inclusion & Diversity As a purpose-led, performance driven company, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day. As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, VF is committed to support disadvantaged groups whilst providing equal opportunities for both VF associates and applicants alike. If you like what you have read and want to join our team then we would like to hear from you! R-20250903-0012 VF Diversity Vision Statement VF is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences among all of our associates, customers, suppliers and the communities in which we live and conduct business. The continued success and growth of VF is enhanced through initiatives that promote diversity throughout VF around the world.VF is an equal employment opportunity/ affirmative action employer of minorities, females, protected veterans and the disabled. VF is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, and treating our VF associates and VF applicants without discrimination on the basis of their race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, HIV/AIDS status, or any other legally protected factor.