Purchasing and Business Operations Manager

Purchasing & Business Operations Manager Mid Kent (only drivers with own transport can be considered) Monday to Friday 8am – 5pm £32,000–£45,000 depending on experience

Are you commercially sharp, exceptionally organised and naturally inclined to make things work better?

We are recruiting for an ambitious, quality-focused business supplying specialist products and services to the construction sector. Its project-led environment demands high standards, dependable suppliers and an internal operation capable of keeping pace.

This is a varied and influential position combining purchasing, supplier management, office operations and process improvement. It would suit a switched-on all-rounder who enjoys taking ownership, building strong relationships and bringing greater structure to a busy working environment.

You do not need to be a highly technical procurement specialist. You will, however, need practical purchasing experience, sound commercial judgement and the initiative to question whether the business is receiving the best possible service, value and terms from its suppliers.

The role

You will take ownership of purchasing activity while helping to ensure the wider office operation runs efficiently. Working closely with colleagues across projects, commercial, design and operational teams, you will become a central point of coordination within the business.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing purchasing activity and ensuring orders are placed accurately and on time

• Reviewing the existing supplier base and monitoring cost, quality, service and delivery performance

• Building productive, professional relationships with suppliers

• Negotiating improved prices, terms and service agreements where appropriate

• Researching and sourcing new suppliers when the business would benefit from alternative options

• Maintaining clear purchasing records, order information and supplier data

• Monitoring requirements across multiple live projects and anticipating potential issues

• Coordinating deliveries and helping to prevent delays or shortages

• Supporting stock control and ensuring relevant teams have accurate information

• Reviewing existing processes and introducing practical improvements

• Creating greater consistency, visibility and accountability across day-to-day operations

• Producing and maintaining reports, trackers and working documents

• Supporting general office coordination and ensuring consistently high professional standards

• Communicating confidently with suppliers, clients and colleagues at every level

• Taking ownership of problems and seeing them through to a sensible resolution

What we are looking for

This opportunity calls for someone bright, capable and polished who can balance detail with the bigger commercial picture.

Non negotiables:

• Previous purchasing, buying or supplier-management experience

• Experience gained within construction, a construction-related manufacturer, specialist subcontractor, fit-out, interiors, building products or a comparable project-led environment

• Strong commercial awareness and an instinct for identifying opportunities to improve value

• Excellent organisation, with the ability to manage several competing priorities

• A proactive approach—you notice what needs improving and take the initiative to address it

• Experience introducing or refining administrative and operational processes

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to encourage positive change

• High attention to detail and pride in producing accurate work

• The flexibility to turn your hand to different responsibilities in a growing business

What matters most is that you are commercially minded, highly dependable and capable of making a tangible difference.

Why consider this opportunity?

This is not a narrow purchasing position or a routine office-management role. You will have the freedom to examine how things are currently done, strengthen supplier relationships and introduce improvements that make the wider business more effective.

You will be joining an ambitious company with high standards, an impressive client base and a strong pipeline of prestigious projects. The environment is busy, professional and quality-driven, with genuine scope for the successful person to shape the role as the business continues to develop.

• £32,000–£45,000, depending on the relevance and depth of your experience

• Free on-site parking, state of the art facilities

• Progression for the right candidate

If you are an organised, commercially aware problem-solver who enjoys taking ownership and raising standards, we would be very interested in hearing from you