At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of an international supply chain, focusing on Asia.
- Company: Established UK engineering manufacturer with a global reach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, healthcare plan, pension, and 31 days holiday.
- Other info: Opportunity for senior responsibility and long-term career progression.
- Why this job: Take ownership of international sourcing strategy and drive business growth.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in purchasing with a mechanical engineering background.
An established UK engineering manufacturer is looking for an experienced Purchasing Manager to take responsibility for developing and expanding its international supply chain, with a particular focus on China and the wider Asian market. This is a newly created, senior position within the business and an exciting opportunity for someone with a mechanical engineering or technical background who understands machined components, supplier development and global procurement.
The successful candidate will have significant responsibility for supplier selection, commercial negotiation, cost reduction, quality and supply chain resilience. The Purchasing Manager will develop the company's international sourcing strategy while working closely with senior purchasing leadership teams. This is an office based position, with occasional international travel to meet suppliers and vendors.
The Role of the Purchasing Manager
The Purchasing Manager will be reporting directly to the Global Purchasing Director. The Purchasing Manager will take ownership of developing an international supplier base, focusing on China and the wider Asian market. The business purchases significant volumes of precision machined components and engineered parts, so supplier capability, manufacturing quality and commercial pricing is critical. The Purchasing Manager will work closely with Supplier & Quality Engineering resources based across Asia to identify and develop high quality manufacturing partners who can support the company’s international growth.
The Purchasing Manager will have accountability across cost, delivery, quality and service and the authority to make decisions around supply, pricing and supplier selection. This role is ideal for someone with a good technical understanding of engineering and machining with the commercial ability to develop an international supplier network. It would be a bonus for the Purchasing Manager to have sourcing experience within China, Asia or India. The Purchasing Manager will have the opportunity to take ownership of the international sourcing strategy and develop the function as the business continues to grow.
Key Responsibilities of the Purchasing Manager
- Develop and implement purchasing and sourcing strategies across China and wider Asian markets
- Identify, evaluate, audit and onboard new international suppliers
- Identify and appoint high performing machine shops and manufacturing partners
- Source precision machined components, engineered parts, forgings, castings and raw materials
- Develop and manage relationships with subcontract precision engineering businesses
- Lead commercial negotiations covering pricing, contracts and supplier terms
- Analyse manufacturing costs and identify opportunities to reduce total acquisition costs
- Ensure suppliers achieve required quality, specification and delivery standards
- Develop and maintain long term relationships with key international suppliers
- Work closely with Supplier & Quality Engineers based within Asia
- Monitor supplier performance and implement improvements where required
- Identify and mitigate supplier, commodity and wider supply chain risks
- Monitor market trends and understand their impact on material and component costs
- Balance supply and demand to maintain component availability
- Resolve supplier disputes and commercial issues
- Support inventory strategies to improve availability, cash flow and stock management
- Visit international suppliers and vendors when required
- Support the company's wider international growth strategy
- Develop and potentially build a team as the international purchasing function continues to grow
Requirements of the Purchasing Manager
- HNC, HND or Degree within an Engineering or Technical discipline
- Mechanical Engineering or Technical background
- At least 7 years’ experience within purchasing, procurement, supply chain or commodity management
- Previous experience working with machine shops, precision engineering or machined components
- Experience purchasing precision machined or complex engineered components
- Understanding of machining processes and how engineered components are manufactured
- Understanding of component manufacturing costs and supplier pricing
- Experience developing and managing an international subcontract or supplier base
- Excellent commercial and supplier negotiation skills
- Knowledge of metals, engineering specifications and technical standards
- Understanding of material costs, acquisition costs and total cost principles
- Supplier relationship and stakeholder management skills
- Analytical, organisational and leadership capabilities
- Experience using ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle
- Commercial awareness and the ability to identify opportunities to improve profitability through effective procurement
- Confidence communicating and negotiating with suppliers across different countries and cultures
- CIPS qualification (desired)
Salary & Benefits
- £70,000 – £80,000 (dependent on experience)
- Healthcare cash plan, including support towards medical and eye care costs
- Death in service – 2x salary
- Pension – 5% employee / 4% employer contribution
- 31 days holiday including bank holidays, increasing with service
- Christmas shutdown
- International travel
- Senior level responsibility and autonomy
- Long term career progression
- Opportunity to develop and manage a global supplier network
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineering procurement professional to take ownership of an international strategy and to be involved in the growth of an established UK manufacturing business.
Interested? Please contact Adele Lewis or click Apply Now.
Purchasing Manager in Knutsford employer: Aspion
Aspion is an excellent employer that values its drivers by offering competitive salaries and a supportive work culture. With a focus on employee growth, the company provides opportunities for advancement within a dynamic team environment, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in Burtonwood.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Manager in Knutsford
✨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 Aspion.
✨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 Knutsford
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 Aspion:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Aspion. 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 Aspion.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspion
✨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 Aspion!
✨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 Aspion. 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 Aspion's culture.
