At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead purchasing processes, manage suppliers, and optimise stock control.
- Company: Join a family-owned business with over 30 years of experience in window and door hardware.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and up to 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Why this job: Shape procurement strategies in a supportive environment while driving efficiency and quality.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in purchasing management and MRP systems; strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Full-time role based in Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, with opportunities for annual bonuses.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Our client is a family-owned business, trading for over 30 years, and is a leading manufacturer and distributor of windows and door hardware. We are looking to recruit a commercially focused and highly organised Purchasing Manager with at least 5 years' experience in purchasing and MRP system implementation. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping purchasing processes, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring consistent stock availability. A major part of the role involves optimising the MRP system to improve forecasting, stock control, and supply chain efficiency. This is a full-time position, working Monday-Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm based in Hinxton, Cambridgeshire.
Package:
- Company pension scheme
- Salary £35,000 - £40,000 (DOE)
- Opportunity to earn two discretionary bonuses annually, based on company profit
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
Responsibilities:
- Responsible for 1 other member of staff
- Manage and optimise the company's procurement processes
- Develop and manage the company's MRP system to optimise stock management, forecasting and procurement planning
- Source and procure hardware products from UK and international suppliers
- Negotiate pricing, contracts, and supplier terms to drive best value
- Manage supplier relationships and performance, ensuring quality and delivery standards are maintained
- Collaborate with sales and finance teams to ensure alignment across departments
- Maintain accurate purchasing data, stock records, and reporting
- Evaluate supplier performance and ensure compliance with contracts and agreements
- Identify and implement procurement process improvements and cost-saving initiatives
Requirements:
- Minimum 5 years' experience in a Purchasing Management role
- Extensive experience running and managing an MRP system (previous experience using Sage/Sicon MRP systems would be a distinct advantage)
- Proven background in international purchasing
- Strong negotiation skills
- Excellent organisational skills with strong attention to detail
- CIPS qualification (or working toward) would be advantageous
Purchasing Manager employer: Streamline Search
Contact Detail:
Streamline Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific MRP systems mentioned in the job description, such as Sage or Sicon. Having a solid understanding of these systems will not only boost your confidence during interviews but also demonstrate your readiness to optimise their procurement processes.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company’s history and values, especially since they are a family-owned business. Understanding their culture and how they operate can help you tailor your discussions around supplier relationships and procurement strategies that align with their ethos.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of your past experiences in managing supplier relationships and optimising procurement processes. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills and commercial focus.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the manufacturing and distribution sectors, particularly those who have experience in purchasing management. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that could strengthen your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in purchasing and MRP system implementation. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in supplier management and stock control.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your commercial focus and organisational skills. Mention your experience with international purchasing and how you can contribute to optimising the company's procurement processes.
Highlight Key Achievements: In your application, include key achievements from your previous roles, such as successful negotiations or improvements in stock management. Quantify these achievements where possible to make a stronger impact.
Showcase Relevant Qualifications: If you have a CIPS qualification or are working towards it, be sure to mention this in your application. Highlight any other relevant training or certifications that align with the job requirements.
How to prepare for a job interview at Streamline Search
✨Showcase Your MRP Expertise
Make sure to highlight your experience with MRP systems during the interview. If you've worked with Sage or Sicon, mention specific projects where you optimised stock management or improved forecasting.
✨Demonstrate Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've conducted in the past. Discuss how you achieved cost savings or improved supplier terms, as this will show your ability to drive value for the company.
✨Emphasise Organisational Skills
Given the importance of organisation in this role, be ready to discuss how you manage multiple tasks and priorities. Share specific strategies or tools you use to stay organised and ensure consistent stock availability.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and teamwork. Think of scenarios where you've collaborated with sales or finance teams to align procurement processes, and be ready to share those experiences.