Purchasing Manager

Owen Daniels are working with a well-established global manufacturing business based in Lichfield that is looking to bring in an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead its purchasing function.
This is a key role within the site and would suit someone who enjoys being close to the operation, working with suppliers and making a real impact on cost, quality, delivery and overall supply chain performance.
You’ll be leading a small purchasing team, managing a broad supplier base and working closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality and Planning.
The RoleAs Purchasing Manager, you’ll take responsibility for the day-to-day running and continued development of the purchasing function.
The role is a good mix of strategic and hands-on procurement. You’ll be expected to build strong supplier relationships, negotiate commercially, support production requirements and look for ways to improve cost, service and supplier performance.
You’ll also play an important part in developing the purchasing team and helping the wider business improve how it works with suppliers.

Key Responsibilities:
Lead and develop the purchasing team, providing support, direction and clear objectives.
Manage relationships with key UK and international suppliers.
Lead commercial negotiations around pricing, lead times, payment terms and supply agreements.
Identify and deliver cost-saving and cost-avoidance opportunities.
Review supplier performance across cost, quality and delivery.
Work closely with Planning and Operations to make sure material availability supports production.
Support supplier selection, RFQs and sourcing activity for new and existing requirements.
Work alongside Engineering and Quality on new product introductions and supplier capability.
Help resolve supplier performance issues and put improvement plans in place where needed.
Review existing suppliers and look at alternative sources where there is a commercial or supply risk.
Monitor market trends, pricing changes and potential supply chain issues.
Support improvements to purchasing processes, systems and reporting.
Manage key purchasing KPIs and provide updates to the wider management team.
Help improve stock levels, lead times and overall supply chain efficiency.
Key Experience:

Previous experience as a Purchasing Manager, Procurement Manager .
A strong understanding of manufacturing and direct material procurement.
Good commercial and negotiation skills.
Experience managing supplier relationships and supplier performance.
A track record of delivering cost savings.
Experience working with ERP or MRP systems.
Strong communication skills and the confidence to work with people across different areas of the business.
Demonstrable expreince of managing or mentoring a purchasing team.
A practical, hands-on approach and the ability to balance longer-term projects with the day-to-day needs of the factory