Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities, negotiate with suppliers, and manage inventory for a manufacturing company.
- Company: Join a well-established manufacturing firm in Camberwell, thriving for 49 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy 23 days holiday, pension, gym membership, and performance-based bonuses.
- Why this job: Be part of a friendly team, drive innovation, and make a real impact in procurement.
- Qualifications: Minimum three years in purchasing, preferably in manufacturing; SAP/ERP experience required.
- Other info: Office-based role near Denmark Hill tube station; no parking available.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Firmin Recruit are excited to be working with our long-established manufacturing client based in Camberwell, SE5 area. My client has been established for 49 years and is currently recruiting for an experienced Senior Purchasing Manager to join their friendly team.
Hours: 9 am - 5 pm Monday-Friday
Benefits: 23 days holiday + Bank Holiday, Pension, Gym Membership, performance-based bonuses
This is an office-based role. My client is unable to offer parking, but the nearest tube station is Denmark Hill.
The Role: My client is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Purchasing Officer to oversee and optimise their procurement activities. This role is critical in ensuring consistent and cost-effective supply of raw materials (including precious metals), components, packaging, and services to meet production demands. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in supplier negotiation, inventory management, and strategic sourcing, particularly within a manufacturing or metal-based environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement purchasing strategies aligned with production schedules and business goals
- Source and negotiate with suppliers of precious and base metals, dies, blanks, packaging, and production consumables
- Manage vendor relationships, ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and on-time delivery
- Monitor and maintain optimal inventory levels to avoid shortages or overstock
- Manage the procurement budget and identify opportunities for cost savings
- Oversee contract creation, management, and renewal with suppliers
- Evaluate market trends, new materials, and alternative suppliers to support innovation and continuous improvement
Suitable Candidate: To be considered for this role, you will have a minimum of three years' experience within a purchasing role gained preferably within a manufacturing environment. You will have a proven track record in purchasing within the manufacturing industry and be proficient in using SAP/ERP systems for procurement processes. Preference will be given to candidates with experience using NetSuite. You should be able to demonstrate success in supplier relationships, possess good negotiating skills, attention to detail, and great organisational skills. You must be able to work effectively as part of a team or individually as required, and have excellent communication and vendor management skills. An analytical mindset with strong numerical skills is essential, along with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with strong CRM experience in purchasing. Suitable candidates must live within a one-hour commute of the SE5 area.
If you have the experience required and would like more information about this role, please send your CV.
Purchasing Manager in South East London employer: Alan Firmin Ltd T/A Firmin Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Alan Firmin Ltd T/A Firmin Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Manager in South East London
✨Tip Number 1
Research the company thoroughly before your interview. Understand their history, values, and recent developments in the manufacturing sector. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare specific examples from your past experience that showcase your skills in supplier negotiation and inventory management. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed vendor relationships and achieved cost savings in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with SAP/ERP systems, especially if you have experience with NetSuite. Being able to speak confidently about your proficiency with these tools can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the manufacturing industry, particularly those who have experience in purchasing roles. Attend relevant events or join online forums to gain insights and potentially get referrals that could help you land the job.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Manager in South East London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in purchasing, particularly within a manufacturing environment. Emphasise your skills in supplier negotiation, inventory management, and any specific software like SAP or NetSuite.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the key responsibilities of the role. Mention your experience with procurement activities and how you can contribute to optimising their supply chain. Be sure to express your enthusiasm for the company and the position.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include specific examples of past achievements in purchasing. This could be successful negotiations, cost savings you've implemented, or improvements in vendor relationships that demonstrate your impact.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial for the Purchasing Manager role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Alan Firmin Ltd T/A Firmin Recruitment
✨Research the Company
Before your interview, take some time to learn about the manufacturing client and their history. Understanding their values, products, and market position will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the role's focus on procurement and supplier negotiation, be ready to discuss your experience with SAP/ERP systems and any specific examples of successful negotiations or cost-saving strategies you've implemented in the past.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
As the role requires an analytical mindset, prepare to discuss how you've used data to make purchasing decisions. Bring examples of how you've monitored inventory levels or evaluated market trends to support your arguments.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Communication
Since the role involves working across multiple departments, be prepared to share examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others. Highlight your communication skills and how they have contributed to successful vendor management.
