£34,000 per annum
Monday - Friday
8.00 to 16.00
Permanent role
My long standing and award-winning client is seeking a Purchasing Lead to manage all purchasing activities, ensuring cost control, supplier performance, quality compliance, and material availability to support production and growth.
Candidate Profile:
5+ years’ experience in manufacturing purchasing (automotive/aerospace preferred)
Strong negotiation and commercial skills
MRP/ERP system experience essential
Data-driven, organised, and proactive
Confident working in a fast-paced SME environment
Strong communication and problem-solving skills
Proficient in MS Office
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Procurement
Develop and deliver purchasing strategy aligned to business goals
Drive cost reduction and value engineering initiatives
Lead supplier negotiations (price, terms, agreements)
Benchmark raw material pricing (stainless, inconel, aluminium, consumables)
Support expansion into aerospace, defence, and regulated sectors
Operational Purchasing
Manage purchase orders in line with MRP requirements
Monitor supplier schedules and ensure on-time delivery (OTIF)
Expedite critical materials as needed
Maintain accurate system data (lead times, MOQ, pricing)
Supplier Management
Build and manage supplier relationships and performance
Conduct supplier reviews and support corrective actions
Identify and onboard new suppliers to reduce risk and cost
Cost & Inventory Control
Control spend in line with budget and cash flow targets
Negotiate payment terms and identify cost-saving opportunities
Optimise stock levels and reduce working capital
Oversee stock takes, cycle counts, and discrepancy resolution
Financial & Cross-Functional Support
Provide cost data (pricing, forecasts, freight, duties) to Finance
Support standard costing and budgeting processes
Work closely with Production, Engineering, and NPI teams
Report purchasing performance to senior management
Compliance & Risk
Ensure ethical procurement and supplier compliance
Mitigate supply chain risks and maintain traceability
Support contingency planning for supply disruption
CRC Recruitment are a leading Midlands based recruitment consultancy covering vacancies across the UK. We have been established since 2003 and have a reputation for high service standards to both candidates and clients. We supply permanent or temporary staff to all areas of business covering a variety of different industry sectors
Salary description
£34000.00 - £34000.00 per year