Purchasing & Procurement Manager

A Purchasing & Procurement Manager is required to lead the purchasing function for an established manufacturing business, based in Milton Keynes. The role will take full responsibility for supplier selection, negotiation, contract management, procurement policy, stock control and spend performance. Working closely with Finance, Operations, Production and HR you will ensure the business has the right materials, products and services at the right time and at the right cost. The Purchasing & Procurement Manager will manage and develop a Purchasing Administrator while introducing stronger processes, reporting and controls across the function. This position suits a commercially focused procurement professional who combines confident supplier management with sound analysis and decisive leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead all purchasing operations to secure goods and services cost-effectively and on time.
• Create, implement and maintain procurement policies and procedures aligned with business strategy.
• Develop purchasing plans and sourcing strategies that achieve the best balance of price, quality and continuity of supply.
• Select, assess and negotiate with suppliers within agreed authority levels.
• Manage supplier contracts and recommend major agreements to senior leadership for approval.
• Monitor market conditions and currency movements and advise the business on risks and opportunities.
• Identify supply chain risks and put practical mitigation plans in place.
• Control stock levels against agreed parameters and customer stock-holding agreements.
• Prevent excessive, insufficient and ageing stock through accurate planning and cross-departmental communication.
• Analyse purchasing data and report on spend, savings, budget performance and supplier performance.
• Introduce process improvements that strengthen control, visibility and efficiency across the procurement function.
• Work with Finance to support prompt supplier payments in line with agreed service levels.
• Build strong working relationships with Finance, Operations, Production and HR.
• Ensure supplier quality issues and product defects are reported promptly and followed through to resolution.
• Manage, coach and develop the Purchasing Administrator and maintain clear team objectives.

Experience & Skills Required:

• Demonstrate previous experience in a purchasing or procurement management role.
• Bring strong supplier management and commercial negotiation skills.
• Show a track record of delivering cost savings, budget control and improved spend efficiency.
• Understand supplier selection, contract management and procurement policy development.
• Analyse purchasing data and translate findings into clear actions and recommendations.
• Use Microsoft Office and purchasing or ERP systems confidently.
• Manage and develop team members through clear objectives, coaching and constructive feedback.
• Communicate confidently and influence colleagues, suppliers and senior stakeholders.
• Apply strong commercial awareness, attention to detail and sound judgement.
• Solve problems decisively and work independently with a high level of ownership.
• Hold a CIPS qualification or an equivalent recognised procurement credential.
• Bring experience within manufacturing, production or another stock-led environment as an advantage.

What's on Offer:

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a business-critical purchasing function within an established manufacturing business. The Purchasing & Procurement Manager will have the freedom to strengthen supplier relationships, improve purchasing controls and shape procurement policies that support cost efficiency and operational performance. The role offers a competitive salary dependent on experience plus the opportunity to lead a small team and make a direct impact across the wider business.

Salary: c 55k + Benefits.

Location: Milton Keynes.

Company: An established UK manufacturing and supply business serving customers across a wide range of industries.

Diversity & Inclusion: ENMASE Group operates an inclusive and diverse recruitment process and removes barriers from the recruitment journey wherever possible. We also work with our clients to encourage fair and inclusive hiring practices. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process please let us know and our trained consultants will assist you.