Purchasing Manager

We are looking for an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead the company's purchasing function and manage a team of two. The successful candidate will oversee the sourcing and purchasing of products required for the company's day-to-day operations, ensuring competitive pricing, consistent quality and optimal stock availability. They will also manage key supplier relationships, negotiate commercial agreements and support the development of more efficient purchasing processes. This is a hands-on management position suited to someone with purchasing experience within the FMCG, supermarket or grocery sector. 📍 Malta – Office-based 💰

Salary:
€40,000–€45,000, depending on experience 👥 Two direct reports Responsibilities
- Lead, support and manage a purchasing team of two
- Oversee day-to-day purchasing activities and ensure orders are placed accurately and on time
- Research, identify and evaluate potential suppliers and products
- Compare supplier offers based on pricing, quality, availability and commercial terms
- Lead negotiations concerning pricing, contracts, payment terms and supply agreements
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key local and international suppliers
- Monitor stock levels and purchasing requirements to ensure product availability while avoiding overstocking
- Review the quality and commercial performance of purchased products
- Track orders and work with suppliers to resolve delays, shortages or quality issues
- Coordinate closely with warehouse, operations, sales and finance teams
- Review purchasing data and prepare reports covering expenditure, supplier performance and cost analysis
- Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising product quality or availability
- Ensure supplier, pricing, delivery and invoice records are accurately maintained
- Introduce and maintain effective purchasing procedures, controls and approval processes
- Set priorities for the purchasing team and monitor their performance
- Attend relevant trade shows and exhibitions to identify new suppliers, products and market trends Requirements and skills
- Proven experience in a senior purchasing, procurement or buying position
- Previous experience supervising or managing a small team
- Strong understanding of vendor sourcing, evaluation and supplier-management practices
- Demonstrable experience negotiating pricing, contracts and commercial terms
- Good understanding of stock management and supply-chain procedures
- Hands-on experience using purchasing or inventory-management software
- Strong analytical skills, including experience preparing purchasing reports and conducting cost analysis
- Commercially minded with a strong focus on cost, quality and availability
- Excellent organisational, communication and negotiation skills
- Qualification in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or a related field would be considered an asset