Purchasing Manager

We are recruiting for an experienced Purchasing Manager to join an established manufacturing business based in the Harlow area.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Purchasing Manager who wants to have genuine influence over how a purchasing function operates and develop it into a more structured and strategic operation.

This is a hands-on management role with responsibility for purchasing activity across two UK manufacturing sites. The successful candidate will be closely involved in the day-to-day purchasing operation, with the opportunity to develop the function and take on a more strategic role over time.

The role will suit an experienced purchasing professional who enjoys being involved in the detail but also has the commercial awareness and strategic mindset to improve processes, supplier performance and purchasing efficiency.

Purchasing Manager Responsibilities:

• Manage a purchasing spend of under £10 million and procurement activities across two manufacturing sites
• Lead, support and develop a Buyer reporting to you
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, terms and other commercial arrangements whilst building and maintaining strong relationships with key suppliers.
• Ensure materials, components and services are available to support production requirements
• Manage purchase orders and monitor outstanding orders and deliveries
• Work proactively with suppliers to resolve supply, delivery and quality issues
• Monitor supplier performance and identify opportunities for improvement
• Support effective stock and inventory management
• Review purchasing data and ensure ERP information is accurate and up to date
• Monitor purchasing parameters including lead times, minimum order quantities, stock requirements and supplier pricing
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and improved purchasing efficiency
• Review and improve existing purchasing processes and procedures
• Support new product introduction and wider business improvement initiatives

The successful Purchasing Manager:

• We're looking for someone who doesn't simply manage purchasing from a distance, but someone who is prepared to understand the detail, challenge existing processes and make practical improvements.
• Approximately 8+ years' experience in purchasing, procurement or materials management
• Significant experience within a manufacturing environment and proven supplier management and negotiation experience
• Previous people management, supervision or team development experience
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems
• A good understanding of inventory management and material requirements
• Experience identifying and implementing process improvements
• A strategic approach to purchasing, alongside a willingness to remain hands-on
• Good Microsoft Office and Excel skills

What's On Offer

Competitive salary

25 days' annual leave

Company Christmas shutdown

Pension scheme – 9% contribution

Full-time, office-based position in Harlow, Essex

If you're an experienced Purchasing Manager with a manufacturing background, strong supplier management skills and a practical approach to improving purchasing processes, we'd like to hear from you.

Apply now for further information

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