Purchasing & Supply Chain Specialist in Sheffield

Play a key role in the operational success of a fast-growing manufacturer

Our client is an award-winning manufacturer of industrial consumables, machine manufacturer, and sharpening service provider, with a heritage dating back almost two hundred years. Operating from a modern 33,000 sq. ft. facility in Sheffield, they utilise advanced CNC machining centres, robotics, and grinding technology to serve global customers across the food, plastics, construction, printing, packaging, agriculture, and paper industries. Their reputation for quality, reliability, and innovation continues to drive their growth and international success.

Following sustained growth and a strategic plan to double in size over the next five years, the business is now seeking a highly capable Purchasing & Supply Chain Specialist to help underpin operational delivery and ensure supply chain resilience. Reporting to the Head of Operations, this role is vital in managing procurement activity and leading the commercial interface with suppliers.

This is a unique opportunity for a methodical and commercially astute purchasing professional to shape procurement strategy within a quality-focused, engineering-led manufacturing environment. You will take the lead on purchasing raw materials, consumables, tooling, utilities, and subcontracted operations such as heat treatment and coating, ensuring continuity of supply, cost discipline, and efficiency across the supply chain.

You will be responsible for developing and managing supplier relationships to ensure cost-effective procurement of goods and services. This includes sourcing and evaluating steel suppliers based on material grade, quality, and certification requirements, as well as negotiating and implementing long-term pricing agreements to manage volatility in steel and alloy markets. You will oversee purchasing budgets and deliver on cost-reduction objectives without compromising quality or lead time.

You will coordinate subcontracted operations, including heat treatment, coating, and surface finishing, and maintain accurate records and costings using the company ERP system. Working cross-functionally with engineering, production, and quality teams, you will align procurement with technical specifications and production needs. A proactive approach to monitoring market trends, material availability, and price fluctuations will be essential to informing and evolving purchasing strategies.

Ideal candidates will bring proven purchasing experience within a steel-based or complex engineering environment, with strong knowledge of material standards such as EN, ASTM, or BS. You will have a track record of negotiating commercial contracts, managing subcontract vendors, and working closely with operations, engineering, and quality teams to deliver value across the supply chain. An understanding of manufacturing processes, such as machining, metal forming, or heat treatment will be important.

You will be proficient in the use of ERP systems and Microsoft Office, and demonstrate excellent communication, supplier relationship management, and analytical skills. A CIPS qualification or active study toward it would be advantageous, as would experience in lean manufacturing and familiarity with quality standards such as ISO 9001 or AS9100.

This is a great opportunity to make a visible impact in a thriving business, helping to support and enable its future growth. You will embody our clients values of Passion, Investment, Customer Focus, Quality, and Integrity, and play a key role in strengthening their operational excellence.

If you would like to be considered for this opportunity, Adderleys Executive Search invites you to submit your curriculum vitae in absolute confidence for consideration in the first stage of the interview process.