Procurement Manager

R44 Performance – London, UK

About Us

R44 Performance is a leading automotive product retailer and lifestyle brand, offering a one-stop shop for styling, performance, and accessories. Our team is passionate about delivering the highest standards in customer experience, with a reputation for expert service, fast-moving product lines, and in-house carbon fibre brands that set us apart. Motorsport isn’t just a passion—it’s part of our DNA, and you’ll often find our team trackside, supporting events or running them ourselves.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Global Purchasing & Procurement to lead and evolve our procurement function. This role is responsible for overseeing the sourcing, purchasing, and supply chain strategy across a global supplier base, with the goal of maximising product availability, managing cost structures, and maintaining operational excellence.

You will work closely with leadership, sales, logistics, and brand teams to shape procurement strategies that support commercial goals while ensuring scalability and profitability. The ideal candidate will be both analytical and entrepreneurial—with deep supplier management expertise, commercial acumen, and the drive to make things happen in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the global procurement function, overseeing purchasing across 150+ brands and multiple international supply channels.
• Develop and execute a robust procurement strategy aligned with company growth, margin, and delivery targets.
• Own supplier relationships—from negotiations to long-term partnerships—ensuring R44 receives the best commercial terms, stock availability, and priority support.
• Optimise inventory by managing forecasting processes and working closely with Sales and Warehouse teams to ensure optimal stock levels without overbuying.
• Identify and onboard new suppliers (including US-based vendors for market expansion), driving product innovation and global market competitiveness.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Sales, Finance, and Operations to ensure aligned commercial goals and promotional readiness.
• Manage procurement data with precision—maintaining accurate product, cost, and lead time records across all systems.
• Implement KPIs for procurement, lead time tracking, and supplier performance monitoring.
• Own container shipment planning and cost management across international freight partners.
• Lead or mentor purchasing team members and evolve internal processes for scale.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience in a senior purchasing or procurement leadership role, preferably in e-commerce, automotive, or retail sectors.
• Demonstrable success in negotiating supplier agreements and reducing costs while maintaining quality and service.
• Strong working knowledge of global supply chains, international shipping/logistics, and landed cost structures.
• Familiarity with ERP/WMS systems (OrderWise preferred) and comfortable using data to drive purchasing decisions.
• Strategic thinker with hands-on execution skills—able to move from planning to doing without hesitation.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, both internally and externally.
• Passion for the automotive sector and a proactive, entrepreneurial attitude.
• Strong understanding of purchasing compliance, customs duties, and international VAT/tax where applicable.
• Experience managing budgets, reporting to senior leadership, and working across time zones with global suppliers.

Why Join R44 Performance?

• Be part of a fast-growing automotive lifestyle brand with a global vision
• Work with a passionate, energetic team where no two days are the same
• Enjoy regular involvement in track days, motorsport events, and product development
• Influence major purchasing decisions and help shape the future of the company’s supply chain
• Competitive salary, company discounts, and opportunities for career progression

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £28,500.00-£48,000.00 per year

Benefits

• Company events
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Store discount
• Work from home

Application question(s)

• How many years of experience do you have in a senior procurement or purchasing role?
• Have you managed global suppliers and international shipping logistics before? If yes: Which regions or countries have you sourced from?
• Which ERP or WMS systems have you used?
• How do you approach demand forecasting and stock planning?

Work Location: In person