Overview
As Purchasing Manager, you lead the international sourcing function to expand supplier networks with a focus on China and Asia. You collaborate with global teams to secure high-quality, cost-competitive machined components while ensuring delivery and supplier performance. The role drives cost reduction, supplier development, and supply chain resilience in a growing engineering business. You will shape the international procurement strategy and grow a cross-border supplier base. This senior position offers autonomy and a clear path to build a dedicated global purchasing function.
Pay / Benefits
- Healthcare cash plan
- Death in service – 2x salary
- Pension – 5% employee / 4% employer
- 31 days holiday including bank holidays
- Christmas shutdown
- International travel
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement purchasing strategies across China and wider Asia
- Identify, evaluate, audit and onboard new international suppliers
- Appoint high-performing machine shops and manufacturing partners
- Source precision machined components, engineered parts, forgings and castings
- Lead commercial negotiations including pricing and supplier terms
- Analyse manufacturing costs to reduce total acquisition costs
- Ensure suppliers meet quality, specification and delivery standards
- Develop and maintain relationships with international suppliers
- Monitor supplier performance and drive improvements
- Identify and mitigate supplier and supply chain risks
- Support inventory strategies to improve availability and cash flow
- Travel to international suppliers as needed
- Potentially build and lead a global purchasing team
Key requirements
- HNC, HND or Degree in Engineering or Technical discipline
- Mechanical engineering or technical background
- 7+ years in purchasing/procurement/supply chain/commodity management
- Experience with machine shops and precision machined components
- Knowledge of machining processes and cost/pricing
- Experience developing international supplier bases
- Excellent commercial and supplier negotiation skills
- Knowledge of metals and engineering specifications
- Understanding of total cost principles
- Supplier relationship and stakeholder management skills
- Experience with SAP or Oracle
- Commercial awareness for profitability improvements
- CIPS qualification desired
- Fluent communication across cultures
- commercial acumen
- stakeholder management
- leadership
- understanding of machining processes
- cost modelling and supplier pricing
- supplier development and audit
Purchasing Manager in Cheshire employer: Aspion
Aspion is an exceptional employer located in Coventry, offering a dynamic work environment where employees can thrive in the fast-paced world of supply chain and operations. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation, we provide ample opportunities for professional growth and development, ensuring that our team members are well-equipped to excel in their roles. Join us to be part of a supportive culture that values transparency and encourages open communication, making every day at work both meaningful and rewarding.
