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- Tasks: Manage the full purchasing lifecycle and drive supplier performance in a technical environment.
- Company: Join a dynamic engineering team in Hailsham, focused on advanced materials.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private health insurance, and potential for travel.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital procurement strategy that impacts high-spec manufacturing and global sourcing.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement within technical manufacturing and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Occasional UK and international travel is expected.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Hailsham, East Sussex
Job Type: Permanent
Start Date: Immediate
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Holiday Entitlement: 25 days + Bank Holidays
Salary: TBC + Private Health Insurance
Are you a commercially driven procurement professional with a strong technical background? We are currently seeking a Strategic Purchasing Manager to join our engineering team in Hailsham. This is a hands-on role managing the full purchasing lifecycle, driving supplier performance, sourcing strategies, and cost optimisation for highly technical machinery used in the advanced materials industry.
As Strategic Purchasing Manager, you will be responsible for understanding technical specifications and engineering drawings, sourcing parts globally, managing supplier relationships, and negotiating pricing and lead times to ensure timely, high-quality, and cost-effective delivery of materials and components. You'll play a vital role in procurement strategy, cost reduction, and ensuring efficient product delivery in a high-spec manufacturing environment.
The Strategic Purchasing Manager will work closely with engineering, production, and finance teams to ensure all supply chain activities align with project and customer requirements. Occasional UK and short international travel is expected.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage end-to-end procurement process from specification through to delivery.
- Source globally, analyse cost, manage supplier relationships, and track performance.
- Interpret engineering drawings and support re-engineering for cost/value optimisation.
- Negotiate cost-effective contracts while maintaining product quality standards.
- Monitor supplier performance, order progress, and ensure timely material delivery.
Requirements:
- Proven experience in a similar procurement role within a technical manufacturing environment.
- Strong technical understanding of components, materials, and processes.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to read technical drawings and work cross-functionally under pressure.
- Full UK driving licence and ability to travel globally as needed.
Contact Detail:
Terry Parris Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Purchasing Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the advanced materials industry and the specific technical components relevant to the role. Understanding the nuances of the machinery and materials will give you an edge in discussions and interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in procurement and engineering sectors. Attend industry events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the Strategic Purchasing Manager position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your negotiation strategies and past successes in supplier management. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive cost optimisation while maintaining quality.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter’s values and culture. Tailor your approach to align with our mission, showcasing how your skills and experiences can contribute to our goals in the procurement process.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Purchasing Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement, especially in technical manufacturing. Emphasise your skills in supplier management, negotiation, and understanding of engineering drawings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your commercial drive and technical background. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed the purchasing lifecycle and improved supplier performance in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your negotiation skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with cost optimisation. These are crucial for the Strategic Purchasing Manager role.
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of components, materials, and processes relevant to the advanced materials industry. This will set you apart as a candidate who can effectively interpret engineering drawings and support re-engineering efforts.
How to prepare for a job interview at Terry Parris Associates
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
As a Strategic Purchasing Manager, you'll need to demonstrate a strong understanding of technical specifications and engineering drawings. Be prepared to discuss your experience with specific components and materials relevant to the advanced materials industry.
✨Highlight Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is key in this role. Share examples of successful negotiations you've conducted in the past, focusing on how you achieved cost-effective contracts while maintaining quality standards. This will show your potential employer that you can handle supplier relationships effectively.
✨Discuss Cross-Functional Collaboration
This position requires working closely with various teams such as engineering, production, and finance. Be ready to talk about your experience in cross-functional collaboration and how you've ensured alignment between different departments to meet project requirements.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities under pressure. Think of situations where you've had to manage supplier performance or adapt sourcing strategies quickly, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
