Purchasing Manager Ref. PL25- R801 – S01 Location: near Warsaw
Our Client: We are recruiting on behalf of a confidential client from one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global economy. The company operates several production sites across Poland.
Position Overview
We are looking for a team-oriented, process-driven Purchasing Manager to take ownership of an operational purchasing team responsible for the P2P process and for ensuring material availability across a complex production environment. The team consists of approximately 10 specialists, covering tactical procurement and supply administration.
The role also includes direct responsibility for the Source-to-Contract (StC) process for selected low-value direct material components – including supplier sourcing, negotiations, contracting and onboarding.
The successful candidate will work closely with the CPO and strategic category buyers, and play a pivotal role in redesigning the operational purchasing function, building a performance culture based on transparency, clear KPIs and accountability.
Team Context
You will manage a diverse and operationally crucial team responsible for the purchasing of direct materials across different production streams. The team consists of experienced professionals with mixed engagement levels and new hires with development potential. Some employees may require closer support due to a lack of structured onboarding and inconsistent performance standards. A key early success indicator will be your ability to assess team strengths, drive alignment, and build a transparent, performance-driven culture where issues are addressed.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, structure and develop a team of approx. 10 operational buyers and supply support staff.
- Plan, delegate, monitor and evaluate the work of the team.
- Monitor material demand to ensure timely procurement and delivery.
- Track and analyse purchasing KPIs related to delivery time, quality and cost efficiency.
- Set individual goals linked to KPIs for team members and review their performance.
- Take ownership of selected StC processes for low-value direct materials (sourcing, negotiation, contracting, onboarding).
- Manage risks related to fluctuations in raw material and component markets.
- Propose and implement process improvements in purchasing operations.
- Supervise the execution of supplier agreements and ensure contract compliance.
- Strengthen team discipline, eliminate process gaps, and install proactive and accountable behaviours.
- Collaborate with internal clients and strategic buyers responsible for high-value categories.
- Ensure accurate and timely use of SAP and internal systems for procurement data and workflows.
- Onboard and support new hires; implement documentation and training initiatives.
- Actively support the repositioning of the purchasing team as a trusted business partner.
Qualifications & Profile
- Proven track record in managing teams – minimum 4 years of successful team leadership experience.
- At least 7 years of experience in purchasing (direct materials), with strong exposure to either Source-to-Contract or Procure-to-Pay processes.
- Strong organizational skills and operational focus – capable of redesigning and enforcing routines.
- Strong leadership competencies
- Ability to build and motivate teams
- Openness to change and process improvement
- Transparent communication style
- High level of collaboration and cooperation across departments
- Strong result orientation and accountability
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- High level of communication skills
- Realistic judgement and practical decision-making
- Strong organizational and time management abilities
- Solid SAP skills (must-have); confident with Excel and reporting tools.
- Fluency in English (B2/C1) and Polish is essential.
- University degree in supply chain, logistics or related area.
Why Apply?
- High-impact role with real transformation opportunity in one of Poland’s key production centres.
- Strong leadership support and regular contact with the CPO (weekly planning sessions).
- Chance to build a visible and respected purchasing function from the ground up.
Interested?
If this opportunity sounds like the right fit for your experience and aspirations, we warmly invite you to apply by sending your CV to agnieszkapiatkowska@e-bigfish.com.
Feel free to reach out directly if you have any questions about the role or the recruitment process.
Application Note: Please include the following clause directly in your CV: “I hereby agree to the processing of personal data included in my application for the needs necessary to carry out the recruitment process conducted by Big Fish Polska Sp. z o.o. in accordance with art. 6 par. 1 lit. a Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation). I also consent to processing of my personal data for the purposes of any future recruitment processes.”
Big Fish is an international recruitment and skills development company for procurement professionals – proudly serving the market for over 20 years. www.e-bigfish.com.pl
If you wish to apply, than send us your CV in English to: agnieszkapiatkowska@e-bigfish.com
Please introduce in your CV the following clause:
"I hereby agree to the processing of personal data included in my application for the needs necessary to carry out the recruitment process carried out by Big Fish Polska Sp. z o.o in accordance with art. 6 par. 1 lit. a Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation). I also consent to processing of my personal data for the purposes of any future recruitment processes.