Purchasing Specialist

Job type: Permanent

Salary: From £30,000 / annum

Hours of work: Monday – Friday, hybrid working available

Location: Office based, Bardon Distribution Centre, North-West Leicestershire

VF Corporation is looking to recruit a new Purchasing Specialist to join our analytics support function and be based at our modern, automated UK Distribution Centre in Bardon, Leicestershire!

VF is a global apparel company connecting people to the lifestyles they cherish through our family of iconic brands. At the heart of our journey lies our purpose: We power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. This is our purpose. It’s the reason we come to work every day. Our purpose unites us and leads us to pursue our goals, together. This is our calling.

Let’s Talk about the Role

The Purchasing Specialist position is a critical role within our UK Supply Chain and the Distribution Centre, ensuring that we have all the right products, consumables and packaging for our operational needs.

The team monitor and control the supply and usage of all consumables within the operation to make sure that demands are met by working closely with suppliers and partners to deliver the best quality, service and cost for the business.

The Purchasing Specialist is at the forefront of our environmental sustainability and compliance, providing reports on waste and packaging performance.

How You Will Make a Difference

Procurement & Cost Management: Manage procurement processes, negotiate supplier contracts, monitor performance, and ensure cost-effective purchasing aligned with budgets

Reporting & Finance Support: Provide monthly reports, support month-end closings, and communicate with Finance on budget and off-term purchases

Quality Assurance: Oversee consumables planning and purchasing; implement corrective actions based on data analysis; managing supplier feedback and penalties for poor quality

Operational Planning: Lead event strategy and peak planning, conducting weekly reviews to ensure delivery targets are met and forecasts are accurate

Inventory & Delivery Oversight: Track consumables inventory, supplier performance, and delivery quality; support zero waste initiatives and planning team coverage

Adaptability & Collaboration: Demonstrate flexibility in response to changing site needs and priorities; work collaboratively across departments to drive results

Safety & Wellbeing: Promote and reward excellence in safety, health, and environmental practices across the Distribution Centre

Environmental & Sustainability: Support site-wide environmental and wellbeing initiatives; contributing to sustainability compliance and reporting in collaboration with EMEA teams

Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with site and brand stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment with brand objectives

Compliance & Ethics: Ensure supplier adherence to policies on modern slavery, forced labour, and working conditions; maintain compliance across purchasing activities.

Skills for Success

We are seeking a detail-oriented and commercially minded individual, perhaps coming from a background in accounting or budgeting, but we are open to different profiles and experience, transferring your skills from a wide variety of industries and departments

The ideal candidate will have strong communication and negotiation skills, fluency in spoken and written English, and proficiency in MS Office, particularly Word and Excel.

Analytical thinking and accuracy

Independence and entrepreneurial spirit

Customer focus

A collaborative, results-driven approach.

Previous experience within a similar Distribution Centre, especially within automated eCommerce, retail, or wholesale environments could be beneficial, but certainly not essential

What’s in it For You

We’re in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy and commitment of our people. That’s why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical and financial well-being for all VF associates. When it comes to benefits, we’re the total package:

A supportive feedback-based culture where respect and integrity guide us in what we do

An inclusive international environment where people of diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and nationalities love working together

Be part of an iconic lifestyle brand in a multi brand, multi countries organization

Subsidised canteen and break out areas offering complimentary hot drinks

Health Shield membership and access to numerous health and wellbeing initiatives including an on-site gym

25 days holiday rising with length of service + bank holidays and your birthday off

Smart pension scheme - 8% employer contribution

Free secure onsite parking

A discount card with 50% off on all VF brands 

Free to Be, Inclusion & Diversity 

As a purpose-led, performance driven company, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, VF is committed to support disadvantaged groups whilst providing equal opportunities for both VF associates and applicants alike.

If you like what you have read and want to join our team then we would like to hear from you!