Group Leader, Direct Purchasing

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Job Description

The Opportunity
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced procurement leader to take on a critical role within Bosch Rexroth UK. Following a period of change, you will be responsible for rebuilding and leading our UK-wide direct purchasing function, with focus on the Product Class Industrial Power Units and Manifolds.
You will have the autonomy to shape the team, refine our strategy and make a significant and immediate impact on the business. We are seeking a proactive and resilient leader who can provide stability, direction and a clear vision for the future of our engineering procurement activities.
Core Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development
* Provide full functional and disciplinary leadership for a team of direct purchasing and logistics personnel, including an intern.
* Lead, mentor and develop the team, promoting a culture of high performance, continuous improvement and professional growth.
* Act as the key purchasing account lead for the DCFI function.
Strategic Supplier & Stakeholder Management
* Develop and manage the strategic supplier base, identifying and qualifying new local suppliers, negotiating supply agreements and agreeing on key terms (incoterms, payment terms, volume rebates).
* Lead annual supplier assessments in collaboration with Quality and Logistics, monitoring performance on delivery, quality and pricing to ensure optimal service levels are achieved.
* Conduct supplier audits with Quality Management and visit suppliers to proactively resolve issues and identify opportunities for performance improvement.
* Ensure all necessary legal and compliance documentation, such as framework agreements and NDAs, are in place.
* Build and maintain effective networks with internal stakeholders (Engineering, Sales, Production, and Quality), ensuring procurement is a key partner in project planning and execution.
Commercial & Project Management
* Lead annual price negotiations with local suppliers, aligning with the material field specialist (MFS) strategy to deliver on cost-reduction targets.
* Drive cost savings by renegotiating supplier offers, generating CSR II savings, and ensuring materials are bought at the most competitive price.
* Oversee the end-to-end quotation process: manage RFQs, analyse quotes using comparison tools (COQ), and make strategic sourcing recommendations.
* Participate actively in project meetings with internal and external customers, identifying measures to reduce costs and delivery timescales before the technical specification is finalised.
Operational Excellence & Compliance
* Take full responsibility for the implementation of, and compliance with, all local and regional purchasing strategies and processes.
* Oversee the end-to-end operational procurement and logistics cycle, from placing purchase orders through to final delivery, including the active management of supplier delivery performance and material creation.
* Manage all purchasing and logistics data within SAP, ensuring the accuracy of material master data, source lists and pricing information.
* Lead the resolution of all invoicing queries, including blocked invoices, to ensure timely and accurate payment processing.
* Manage the monthly MCR/CSR data verification and reporting process.
* Ensure all purchasing decisions are fully documented in accordance with company guidelines, maintaining comprehensive files for all supplier and transaction data.
* Identify and drive opportunities for process improvements within Purchasing and Logistics, utilising continuous improvement (CIP) methodologies

Requisiti del candidato:

Qualifications

Candidate Profile
Essential Experience & Skills
* Proven experience in a senior purchasing or materials management role, ideally within a technical or manufacturing environment.
* Demonstrable experience in leading and developing a team.
* A proactive and results-driven leadership style, with the ability to perform effectively under pressure and navigate business challenges.
* Excellent relationship management and negotiation skills, with a track record of managing key internal and external stakeholders.
* Strong commercial acumen and experience working effectively across multiple business functions.
Desirable Attributes
* A relevant business or technical qualification (e.g., CIPS, Degree in Business or Engineering).
* Prior experience with SAP.
* Excellent skills in MS-Office, Experience with Power-BI and AI-Tools.
* A flexible working style and a willingness to travel for supplier visits, project meetings, and regional conferences as required