Purchasing & Transport Manager
9-Month Fixed-Term Contract | Immediate Start
Location: Milton Keynes (Office-Based)
Salary: Competitive (Dependent on Experience)

I’m currently recruiting on behalf of my client for an experienced Purchasing & Transport Manager to join their operations team on a 9-month fixed-term contract, with an immediate start available.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded procurement professional with transport management experience to take ownership of purchasing strategy, supplier performance, and transport operations within a fast-paced operational environment.

The Role

Reporting to the Operations Director, you’ll be responsible for leading the purchasing and transport functions, ensuring products and services are sourced efficiently, cost-effectively, and delivered on time. You’ll also oversee day-to-day transport operations, ensuring compliance, operational excellence, and high service standards.

You’ll lead a small team while working closely with internal departments and external suppliers to support business objectives and drive continuous improvement.

Key ResponsibilitiesPurchasing

• Develop and implement purchasing strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Manage the full procurement cycle, including sourcing, supplier negotiations, purchase orders, and contract management.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships while monitoring supplier performance.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve purchasing processes.
• Monitor inventory levels in collaboration with operational teams.
• Resolve supplier issues, shortages, and quality concerns efficiently.
• Produce regular reports on purchasing performance, costs, budgets, and supplier metrics.
• Ensure purchasing activities comply with company policies and relevant legislation.

Transport

• Oversee daily transport operations to ensure efficient and timely deliveries.
• Manage vehicle scheduling, route planning, and resource allocation.
• Monitor transport performance and resolve operational issues proactively.
• Ensure transport operations remain fully compliant with all relevant legislation and company procedures.
• Drive efficiencies across transport planning and fleet utilisation.

Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop a small Purchasing & Transport team.
• Create a positive, high-performing working environment.
• Support cross-training and succession planning to ensure operational resilience.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to support operational planning and project delivery.
• Champion continuous improvement across purchasing and transport functions.

About You

We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Previous experience in a Purchasing, Procurement, Supply Chain or Transport Management role.
• Strong supplier negotiation and contract management skills.
• Experience managing transport operations and ensuring legal compliance.
• Excellent commercial awareness with the ability to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Strong analytical skills with experience producing management reports and KPI analysis.
• Proven leadership experience, including coaching and developing team members.
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to build relationships across all levels of a business.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. Experience using ERP or procurement systems would be advantageous.

What’s on Offer

• 9-month fixed-term contract.
• Immediate start available.
• Competitive salary.
• Opportunity to work within a well-established and successful organisation.
• Varied and autonomous role with genuine responsibility.
• Supportive leadership team and collaborative working environment.