Job Title: Purchasing Director – Distribution & Supply Chain (Hybrid – Urgent Hire)
Location: Pangbourne, United Kingdom (Hybrid working available)
Salary: Competitive + Performance-related bonus
Job Type: Permanent, Full-time
Urgent – Interviews this week
We are recruiting on behalf of a fast-growing distribution business that is expanding rapidly and selectively hiring high-calibre leadership talent to fuel continued growth.
Our client is seeking a Purchasing Director to own end-to-end purchasing and stock strategy within a dynamic, high-volume distribution operation.
Reporting directly to the Managing Director and Board, this senior leadership role will drive profitability, cash flow, and service levels through optimised stock management, stronger vendor partnerships, and inbound supply chain performance.
Key Responsibilities:
• Develop and lead purchasing and stock strategy aligned with ambitious commercial and growth plans
• Reduce stock holding through advanced forecasting, demand planning, and stock-turn optimisation
• Negotiate improved commercial terms (pricing, rebates, payment terms, SLAs)
• Optimise inbound logistics – speed, accuracy, cost, and visibility
• Maintain stock integrity across ERP/WMS systems with audits and discrepancy resolution
• Lead the purchasing and stock team while collaborating with Finance, Sales, Operations, and Logistics
• Deliver monthly KPI reporting and board-level insights
Key Objectives:
• Achieve measurable reduction in stock value and improved working capital / cash-to-cash cycle
• Strengthen vendor performance and relationships (OTIF, reliability)
• Reduce aged inventory, excess stock, discrepancies, and shrinkage
Essential Skills & Experience:
• Senior purchasing, procurement, or supply chain leadership in distribution, wholesale, or FMCG/consumer goods
• Proven success improving vendor terms, reducing stock holding, and enhancing working capital
• Strong commercial negotiation, contract management, and financial literacy
• Hands-on experience with ERP and WMS systems
• Strategic thinker with strong operational delivery
Personal Attributes:
• Self-starter who operates independently
• Process-driven with continuous improvement mindset
• Confident negotiator and relationship builder
• Hands-on leader focused on accountability and results
What Our Client Offers:
• High-impact senior leadership role with direct influence on performance and profitability
• Competitive salary plus performance-related bonus
• Hybrid working model (office presence required in Pangbourne)
• Opportunity to shape and scale a rapidly growing distribution business
• Collaborative environment with board-level exposure
This is an urgent requirement – interviews taking place this week.
Apply now with your CV.
For a confidential discussion or full brief, contact Neil Green
We are recruiting multiple senior and leadership roles for this growing business – get in touch if you are open to other opportunities.
Thames 360 Ltd – Recruitment Partner