Purchasing Manager in Birmingham

• Purchasing Manager
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Job Type: Full-Time | Permanent
• Reporting to: Supply Chain Director
• Lead Purchasing for a Global Manufacturing Business

Are you an experienced Purchasing Manager with a background in engineering or manufacturing?

Do you thrive on building strong supplier relationships, negotiating commercial agreements, and driving continuous improvement across the supply chain?

We're recruiting on behalf of a well-established, market-leading manufacturer based in Birmingham.

With a strong international presence and a reputation for delivering high-quality engineered products, this business continues to invest in innovation, operational excellence, and long-term growth.

This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of the purchasing function, leading an experienced team while managing a global supplier network.

You'll play a pivotal role in ensuring materials are sourced efficiently, supplier performance is optimised, and production operates without interruption.

The Role

As Purchasing Manager, you'll be responsible for developing and delivering procurement strategies that support business objectives, improve supplier performance, and maximise value across the supply chain.

Your responsibilities will include

• Developing and implementing purchasing strategies that support operational and commercial goals.
• Leading commercial negotiations covering pricing, contracts, payment terms, lead times and supplier agreements.
• Managing a global supplier base, including key suppliers across the Far East.
• Monitoring supplier performance and driving improvements in quality, delivery and cost.
• Conducting supplier audits and supporting corrective action programmes to maintain quality standards.
• Working closely with Production, Engineering, Planning, Quality and Finance to ensure purchasing activities align with manufacturing requirements.
• Identifying and mitigating supply chain risks, including supplier dependency, material shortages and cost fluctuations.
• Leading, mentoring and developing the purchasing team, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

About You

We're looking for an experienced procurement professional who combines strong commercial awareness with a hands‑on approach.

You’ll ideally have

• Previous experience in a Purchasing Manager or Senior Procurement role within manufacturing, engineering or industrial production.
• Experience managing international suppliers, ideally including Far Eastern supply chains.
• A strong background in supplier relationship management, commercial negotiation and cost reduction.
• Experience carrying out supplier quality audits and resolving supplier performance issues.
• Good knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and strong analytical skills, including Microsoft Excel.
• An understanding of ISO quality standards, Incoterms, import/export processes and ethical sourcing.
• A CIPS qualification (or be working towards one), although equivalent industry experience will be equally valued.
• The flexibility to travel internationally when required to support supplier development or resolve operational issues.
• What’s in it for You
• A senior leadership role within a successful and growing UK manufacturer.
• The opportunity to shape purchasing strategy and influence business performance.
• Responsibility for a diverse international supplier portfolio.
• International travel and exposure to global supply chain operations.
• A collaborative, supportive working environment where your expertise will make a genuine impact.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

If you're a commercially minded purchasing professional looking for your next leadership challenge within advanced manufacturing, we'd love to hear from you.

We are committed to equal opportunity and diversity.

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