Purchasing Manager (Hospitality Industry)
About the Role
Qualitaste Limited is a dynamic and growing company specialising in complete turnkey hospitality setups, commercial fit\-out solutions, and smart direct\-sourcing for projects worldwide. We seamlessly integrate spatial design, brand strategy, and high\-quality equipment supply to transform hospitality concepts—from immersive dining spaces to high\-volume mobile and pop\-up kitchens—into reality for our global clients. We are currently seeking an experienced and commercially driven Purchasing Manager to lead our procurement strategies.
In this role, you will play a critical part in our international supply chain, focusing on direct factory sourcing from China. Your procurement portfolio will be highly diverse, covering commercial catering equipment, mobile catering trailers, prefabricated container units, and bespoke hospitality fixtures, alongside essential catering utensils, packaging materials, and high\-quality food and beverage ingredients. You will be responsible for evaluating manufacturers, negotiating commercial terms, managing prototype development, and ensuring seamless logistics from the factory floor to our clients and project sites around the world.
· Key Responsibilities
o Develop and maintain a strong network of manufacturers and suppliers in China, particularly within the hospitality equipment, commercial catering equipment and small machinery sectors.
o Identify and evaluate factory\-direct sourcing opportunities to reduce reliance on intermediaries and external sourcing agents.
o Conduct supplier searches, due diligence, factory assessments and commercial evaluations to identify suitable manufacturing partners.
o Negotiate directly with factories on pricing, minimum order quantities, payment terms, lead times, tooling costs and other commercial terms.
o Analyse product costs and quotations, including materials, manufacturing, tooling, packaging, logistics and other cost components, in order to achieve commercially competitive procurement outcomes.
o Manage product sampling and prototype development, including reviewing samples, coordinating amendments and following up with manufacturers until products meet the required specifications.
o Liaise directly with factories on bespoke and non\-standard product requirements, including product dimensions, materials, functionality, manufacturing processes and technical specifications.
o Monitor production schedules, order progress and supplier performance, proactively resolving manufacturing or supply\-chain issues.
o Coordinate with logistics providers and internal teams to support the timely shipment and delivery of purchased goods.
o Maintain accurate supplier, quotation, pricing and procurement records and regularly report on sourcing performance and cost\-saving opportunities.
o Continuously expand the Company’s direct supplier base and identify new manufacturing regions, factories and product categories that may support future business growth.
· Requirements
o Substantial experience in purchasing, procurement, sourcing or supply\-chain management, preferably within the hospitality, catering equipment, machinery, manufacturing or related sectors.
o Strong and established knowledge of the Chinese manufacturing market and supplier landscape.
o An existing professional network of manufacturers and factory contacts in China, particularly in hospitality equipment, catering equipment, small machinery or related product categories, would be highly advantageous.
o Native\-level or highly proficient Mandarin Chinese, with the ability to communicate confidently with manufacturers on both commercial and technical matters.
o Strong English communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with UK\-based colleagues, clients and suppliers.
o Strong understanding of manufacturing terminology, production processes and technical product specifications.
o Proven ability to negotiate directly with factories on pricing, production terms and commercial arrangements.
o Experience in product sampling, prototype development and sample approval processes.
o Ability to carry out cost analysis and assess manufacturing quotations and underlying cost structures.
o Experience coordinating bespoke or non\-standard manufacturing, including communicating technical amendments and product specifications to suppliers.
o Strong commercial judgement and the ability to balance cost, quality, lead time and supplier reliability.
o Ability to manage multiple procurement projects and suppliers simultaneously.
o Strong attention to detail, organisational skills and problem\-solving ability.
o Willingness to communicate regularly with overseas suppliers and, where required, travel to China or other manufacturing locations for supplier meetings, factory visits and inspections.
· Preferred Experience
o Experience sourcing any of the following would be particularly advantageous:
o Commercial kitchen and catering equipment
o Food preparation equipment
o Refrigeration and heating equipment
o Small commercial machinery
o Custom stainless\-steel equipment
o Hospitality fixtures and fittings
o Furniture and interior materials
o Bespoke manufactured products
o Packaging and consumables
Pay: £54,000\.00\-£59,000\.00 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in St Albans AL3 5BN
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