Purchasing Manager in UK

Eden Scott is delighted to be retained by Peacock Salt to appoint an experienced Procurement Manager.

Peacock Salt is the largest distributor of salt products in the United Kingdom. A family business with great heritage and history, founded in the 19th Century initially shipping coal, wood and salt around Europe, to now becoming the largest importer of white marine salt in the United Kingdom.

Peacock Salt are at the forefront of the industry in terms of product innovation, quality and customer service and have a strategy to further enhance this, producing sustainable and profitable growth through organic growth and acquisition. They are indeed “Serious about Salt!”

Reporting to the Managing Director, you will provide strategic management and control of purchasing in order to increase the profitability of the company. To identify improvement projects and activities with the procurement and supply chain functions. To profile bench mark research and assess the market risk, competition trends and new opportunities to ensure continuity of supply, to make sure the best value is achieved.

This role will cover all customer markets including industrial, de-icing, food, cosmetics, water softening, animal feed, aquaculture and pharmaceutical.

Main Duties

• Managements of purchasing reviews, tenders and contracts (where applicable)
• Implementing system reviews to ensure efficient use of throughout the procurement process.
• Develops and implements strategies for procuring, storing, and distributing goods or services and maintaining stock levels.
• Manage and report items that put budgets at risk and identify options for recovery.
• Selection of supplier to meet business needs (adherent to required specification, ability to deliver as required, meeting technical requirement, and providing good value for money).
• Lead initiatives to improve supplier performance.
• Organisation of regular reviews with suppliers
• Levering innovation initiatives from key suppliers
• Monitoring and reporting on purchase price variances from standard costs
• Liaises with key company employees to determine their product and service needs.
• Nurtures relationships with suppliers
• Carry out financial analysis of internal processes and performance to identify significant areas of opportunity.
• Identify and realise cost reduction opportunities within the different teams.
• Researches new products and services to meet company's goals.
• Complete monthly KPI information.
• Manage the procurement team, mentoring, support, training, reviews, etc.
• Ensure health and safety compliance while on site, travelling or on suppliers or customer sites.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education to the level of bachelor’s degree is advantageous.
• CIPS or working towards.
• A strong procurement and commercial background, minimum of 5 years’ buying experience.
• Good to knowledge and working experience of wider supply chain within a similar environment.
• ERP/MRP experience – previous Navision experience advantageous.
• Excellent analytical skills
• Effective communicator
• Good numerical and literacy skills
• High standard of integrity.

Application Process:

If you are interested in having an informal discussion to find out more please contact our retained consultant Alasdair Murray of Eden Scott directly on 07949 304 727

To apply please send a copy of your CV to

Please note all third party, direct and speculative applications / CVs will be forwarded to Eden Scott for consideration.