Purchasing Manager
We're looking for a commercially sharp Purchasing Manager to take ownership of procurement, supplier coordination and inventory planning for a growing event and production company.
Our client has spent over 10 years delivering technology, AV and immersive experiences across Formula 1 and major live events worldwide. Alongside motorsport, they deliver technical production and live event solutions across concerts, festivals, theatre, conferences and venues. This is a fast-growing company working in some of the most demanding and exciting live production environments in the world.
The Role
This role oversees procurement, supplier coordination, inventory planning and purchasing operations across Formula 1 and live event projects. It's suited to someone highly organised, commercially aware and confident working within fast-paced operational environments where timelines, accuracy and communication are critical. You'll work closely with project management, operations, technical, logistics and warehouse teams to ensure equipment, consumables, services and operational requirements are sourced efficiently, delivered on time and managed within budget — playing a key role in supporting project delivery through effective supplier management, purchasing processes, stock control and operational coordination.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement & Purchasing: Manage purchasing activities across live event, AV and Formula 1 projects, sourcing equipment, materials, consumables, services and operational requirements from approved suppliers. Obtain and evaluate supplier quotations, pricing, lead times and availability, and raise and manage purchase orders while tracking deliveries and order statuses to ensure operational deadlines are met.
Supplier & Vendor Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, manufacturers and service providers. Negotiate pricing, lead times and supplier agreements, monitor supplier performance and reliability, and identify new suppliers and procurement opportunities to improve operational efficiency.
Inventory & Stock Coordination: Work closely with warehouse and technical teams to monitor stock levels and equipment availability, supporting inventory management processes including stock tracking, replenishment and reporting.
Budget & Cost Control: Monitor purchasing spend and support cost tracking across projects and departments, ensuring purchasing activities remain aligned with budgets while identifying cost-saving opportunities and supporting forecasting and reporting.
Operational Coordination: Coordinate closely with project managers, technical teams, logistics and operations departments, supporting international freight coordination and supplier logistics where required, and ensuring purchasing timelines align with project schedules and event delivery deadlines.
Risk Management & Problem Solving: Proactively identify purchasing risks, shortages, delays and operational challenges, supporting contingency planning and alternative sourcing solutions, and adapting quickly to changing project requirements.
Stakeholder & Team Coordination: Build positive working relationships across operations, project management, technical, warehouse and finance teams, and manage a small team — setting priorities, ensuring process is followed and maintaining accuracy.
What We Are Looking For
Experience: A background in Purchasing Management, incorporating procurement, supply chain, operations and inventory management.
Skills: Strong organisational and administrative skills with excellent attention to detail, alongside excellent communication and supplier coordination abilities. Experience managing purchase orders, supplier relationships and purchasing processes, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities within fast-paced environments.
Leadership: Experience of line management, strong commercial awareness and a problem-solving mindset, with confidence working under pressure while maintaining accuracy.
Systems: Proficiency in Google Workspace and procurement or inventory management systems, ideally Sage.
Flexibility: Willingness and availability for international travel where required.
Desirable: Experience within live events, AV, technical production, motorsport or Formula 1 environments, with an understanding of technical equipment, event technology and production workflows.
Core Competencies
Procurement & Supplier Negotiation
Inventory & Stock Management
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Team Leadership & Development
What's on Offer
- The opportunity to work on exciting international Formula 1 and live event projects
- Exposure to a wide range of technical production environments and global events
- A collaborative and highly skilled working environment
- Opportunities for career progression and professional development within a growing company
- The chance to contribute to projects delivered at the highest level of live production
If you are a purchasing professional looking to bring your commercial edge to a fast-paced, project-led live events and motorsport environment, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today with your CV.