Head of Procurement
Hull - office based
Salary: £38,000 to £50,000 (depending on experience)
Reporting to: Board of Directors
About the Company
We are a growing and well-established business specialising in fixings, fasteners, and ironmongery, supplying a broad customer base across multiple sectors. With a strong reputation for quality and service, we are now looking to strengthen our leadership team as we continue to expand.
About the Role
This is a key, hands-on leadership role overseeing all procurement activity, combining day-to-day buying with improvements in supplier management, stock control, and cost efficiency. You’ll work closely with the Board to protect margin, improve stock performance, and support growth.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement & Buying
* Manage day-to-day purchasing across core product ranges
* Maintain stock levels to meet demand while minimising excess
* Raise and manage purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery
* Monitor market trends and material costs to inform buying decision
Supplier Management
* Build and maintain strong relationships with UK and overseas suppliers
* Negotiate pricing, terms, and supply agreements
* Source and onboard new suppliers to improve cost and availability
* Monitor supplier performance (quality, delivery, reliability)
Cost Control & Margin Improvement
* Drive cost-saving initiatives and improve gross margin
* Benchmark pricing and review market competitiveness
* Work with Sales to align pricing with current costs
* Assess UK vs import sourcing opportunities
Stock & Inventory
* Own stock control strategy including min/max levels and forecasting
* Reduce slow-moving and obsolete stock
* Improve stock accuracy and stock turn with the warehouse team
* Analyse demand trends and seasonality
Import Sourcing
* Support development of direct import sourcing (Far East, India, Europe)
* Manage landed cost considerations (freight, duty, lead times)
* Assist with supplier onboarding, sampling, and quality control
Systems & Reporting
* Use ERP systems to manage purchasing and reporting
* Produce reports on spend, stock, suppliers, and margins
* Identify and improve procurement processes
Leadership & Collaboration
* Lead and develop a small procurement team
* Work closely with Sales, Operations, and Finance
* Support product sourcing and technical queries
About You
Essential
* Experience in procurement/buying (ideally within fixings, fasteners, ironmongery or similar)
* Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
* Commercially aware with a focus on cost and margin
* Experience managing stock in a fast-paced environment
* Hands-on approach suited to an SME
* Exposure to importing goods
Desirable
* Knowledge of the fixings/fastenings market
* ERP or stock system experience
* Previous team leadership experience
Personal Attributes
* Commercially sharp and detail-focused
* Confident, decisive, and proactive
* Strong relationship builder
* Comfortable working both strategically and operationally
* Adaptable in a fast-paced environment
Success Measures
* Improved gross margin and cost savings
* Increased stock turn and reduced excess stock
* Strong supplier performance and commercial terms
* High product availability and service levels
Why Join Us?
* Key leadership role within a growing SME
* Real opportunity to influence business performance
* Hands-on, commercially focused environment
* Opportunity to shape and improve procurement processes
Interested? Apply now with your updated CV.