At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing purchasing team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a market-leading LCV conversion specialist in Doncaster.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and clear progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the purchasing function and make a real impact on operational performance.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or supply chain management within manufacturing or automotive.
- Other info: Hands-on leadership role with opportunities for process improvement and supplier development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.
Ready to lead a high‑performing purchasing function in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment? We’re working with a market‑leading LCV conversion specialist based in Doncaster that’s looking for a commercially driven Purchasing Manager to take ownership of the purchasing team and drive supply chain performance. You’ll be responsible for securing materials, components, and subcontracted services (both in‑house and external), ensuring production runs smoothly, on time, and within budget. This is a hands‑on leadership role with real influence across the business, perfect for someone who thrives on building supplier relationships, improving processes, and delivering cost savings.
Required Skills & Experience
- Proven purchasing or supply‑chain management experience within manufacturing, automotive, engineering or LCV conversions.
- Strong understanding of machining, woodworking, fabrication and outsourced manufacturing processes.
- Experience managing and developing a purchasing team.
- Excellent negotiation, communication and supplier relationship skills.
- Strong organisational and planning capabilities with a focus on deadlines.
- Knowledge of ISO standards, quality systems and regulatory compliance (VCA desirable).
- Ability to work cross‑functionally with Production, Stores, Engineering and Operations.
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Purchasing Leadership
- Lead, coach and develop the purchasing team to deliver a high‑performing, proactive function.
- Allocate workload, set priorities and ensure purchasing activity aligns with production needs.
- Foster a culture of accuracy, urgency and commercial awareness.
- Source all parts and materials for LCV conversions on time and to specification.
- Maximise internal manufacturing capability (Machine Shop/Wood Shop) before outsourcing.
- Manage procurement from external suppliers (laser cutters, fabricators, component manufacturers).
- Maintain accurate lead times, pricing and supplier data.
- Work closely with Operations, Production and Stores to align material availability with the production plan.
- Identify supply risks and implement mitigation strategies.
- Support forecasting, demand planning and stock optimisation.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
- Negotiate pricing, terms and service levels to achieve best value.
- Monitor supplier performance, quality and delivery reliability.
- Identify and onboard new suppliers to support capacity, cost and quality improvements.
- Deliver cost‑saving initiatives without compromising quality or compliance.
- Ensure accurate pricing data for BOMs and costings.
- Support budgeting and cost‑tracking activities.
- Ensure all purchased materials meet specifications, standards and regulatory requirements (including VCA Type Approval where applicable).
- Support quality investigations and corrective actions related to purchased components.
- Maintain purchasing documentation in line with ISO and internal audit requirements.
- Improve purchasing processes, systems and reporting to enhance efficiency and visibility.
- Introduce structured supplier reviews, KPI tracking and purchasing dashboards.
- Support lean initiatives and continuous improvement across the supply chain.
What’s on Offer
- A key leadership role within a growing and evolving manufacturing environment.
- The opportunity to shape the purchasing function and influence operational performance.
- Competitive salary (ÂŁ30k to ÂŁ40k) and benefits package.
- A dynamic, hands‑on environment with clear opportunities for progression.
Purchasing Manager in Doncaster employer: Adept Resourcing
Contact Detail:
Adept Resourcing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Manager in Doncaster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the manufacturing and supply chain sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their products, services, and market position. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role. Plus, it’ll give you a chance to ask insightful questions!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your negotiation skills! During interviews, be ready to discuss how you've successfully negotiated with suppliers or improved purchasing processes in the past. Highlighting these experiences can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that Purchasing Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Manager in Doncaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Purchasing Manager role. Highlight your experience in purchasing and supply chain management, especially within manufacturing or automotive sectors. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this hands-on leadership role. Share specific examples of how you've built supplier relationships and improved processes in your previous roles.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Include any cost-saving initiatives or process improvements you’ve implemented. We love seeing how you’ve made a real impact in your previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Adept Resourcing
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of purchasing and supply chain management, especially in manufacturing and LCV conversions. Familiarise yourself with the specific processes like machining and fabrication, as well as any relevant ISO standards. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but that you genuinely understand the industry.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a purchasing team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and past experiences. Think of examples where you've successfully managed a team, allocated workloads, or improved processes. Highlight how you foster a culture of urgency and accuracy within your team.
✨Demonstrate Negotiation Prowess
Negotiation skills are key for a Purchasing Manager. Prepare to share specific instances where you've negotiated pricing or terms with suppliers. Discuss how you build and maintain strong supplier relationships, and be ready to talk about how you monitor supplier performance to ensure quality and reliability.
✨Align with Company Goals
Research the company and its goals, especially regarding cost control and process improvement. Be ready to discuss how your vision for the purchasing function aligns with their objectives. Show that you can contribute to their growth by delivering cost-saving initiatives without compromising on quality.