At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead purchasing strategies and manage global supplier relationships in advanced manufacturing.
- Company: Market-leading manufacturer based in Birmingham with a strong international presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape purchasing strategy and make a real impact in a growing company.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and knowledge of supply chain management.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
Salary: Competitive + Excellent Benefits
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.
Purchasing Manager in Sheldon employer: ASC Connections
ASC Connections is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of Birmingham. With a strong focus on employee growth, our Recruitment Consultants benefit from a competitive salary, a unique 9-day working fortnight, generous holiday allowances, and access to private healthcare, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in recruitment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Manager in Sheldon
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like ASC Connections.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Manager in Sheldon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to ASC Connections:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to ASC Connections. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like ASC Connections.
How to prepare for a job interview at ASC Connections
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at ASC Connections!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at ASC Connections. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into ASC Connections's culture.
