This is an opportunity to join an established and growing manufacturing business where purchasing is viewed as a key part of the wider commercial operation. We are looking for someone forward thinking, commercially minded and strategic, who wants to become invested in the business and play a key role in its continued development.
You will take ownership of purchasing, supplier management and stock control, with a clear focus on reducing excess stock, improving stock holding and balancing cost, availability and cash flow. This is not simply a role focused on placing orders. We are looking for someone who will challenge existing ways of working, identify opportunities and put effective procurement processes in place.
The Role
As Purchasing Manager, you will lead the purchasing and stores function, managing a Purchasing Assistant and Stores Supervisor while working closely with teams across the business.
You will be responsible for ensuring the right materials, products and services are available when required, while maintaining strong commercial control and supporting the financial performance of the business.
A key part of the role will be supporting the rollout and implementation of a new MRP system, helping to improve purchasing, stock visibility, planning and inventory management across the business.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead purchasing across a broad range of raw materials, direct goods, services and third party contractors
• Develop and implement purchasing strategies that support business growth and operational requirements
• Manage and reduce stock holding without compromising service, production or customer requirements
• Balance stock availability, purchasing costs and cash flow to ensure working capital is effectively managed
• Review purchasing processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs and minimise waste
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms and commercial agreements with suppliers
• Develop strong supplier relationships while challenging performance, cost and service levels where required
• Identify alternative suppliers, dual sourcing opportunities and opportunities for supplier and product rationalisation
• Support the rollout and implementation of the MRP system, ensuring purchasing and stock processes are aligned and embedded effectively
• Use ERP and MRP data to support purchasing decisions, forecasting and inventory management
• Work closely with production, commercial, technical and operational teams to understand requirements and resolve supply issues
• Ensure suppliers meet required standards for quality, price and delivery
• Maintain appropriate supplier approval, risk assessment and audit processes
• Provide regular reporting on purchasing performance, stock levels, supplier performance and cost savings
• Lead and develop the Purchasing and Stores team
• Support commercial and technical scoping of selected customer projects and tenders
• Continuously look for ways to improve the purchasing function and add greater commercial value to the business
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for someone with strong character who is confident enough to challenge, influence and make decisions. You will be professional, commercially aware and comfortable taking ownership.
You will ideally have:
• Previous experience in Purchasing, Procurement or Supply Chain Management within a manufacturing environment
• Experience managing multi category purchasing and supplier relationships
• Strong understanding of stock control, inventory management and working capital
• A commercial approach to purchasing, with a strong understanding of cost, budgets and cash flow
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
• Experience using an ERP or MRP system, with an understanding of how systems can improve purchasing and stock management
• Strong numerical and analytical skills
• Experience managing or developing a small purchasing or stores team
• The confidence and strength of character to challenge existing processes and drive change
• A forward thinking and strategic approach rather than simply focusing on the day to day
• The ability to build strong relationships across the business and become a trusted member of the management team
Salary: Up £60,000 depending on experience
Hours: 37.75 hours with an early finish on a Friday
Benefits: Pension, bonus scheme, private healthcare and health cash plan
Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.
In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included
Salary description
£45000.00 - £60000.00 per year