Purchasing Manager in Lincoln

• JOB TITLE – PURCHASING MANAGER (18 MONTH FTC)
• LOCATION – LINCOLN

We are supporting a specialist engineering business in Lincoln as they stabilise and rebuild a critical procurement function.

We’re recruiting a Procurement & Supply Chain Manager to lead a small team day‑to‑day, fix core processes within a niche, engineering‑led environment.

THE ROLE

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced purchasing / supply chain professional who enjoys hands‑on team leadership and “getting the basics right” – structure, workflow, PO/quote turnaround and vendor management.

You’ll step into a function and will provide clear direction, coaching and support to the Procurement team.

Key responsibilities include

• Leading and coaching a small procurement team, providing day‑to‑day direction, support and performance management.
• Mentoring the current Procurement team, taking pressure off and helping them rebuild confidence and capability.
• Reviewing and improving core processes – requisition to PO, RFQs, expediting and supplier communication – to reduce quote and order turnaround times.
• Driving basic structure and rhythm: daily/weekly huddles, clear priorities, visibility of workload and status.
• Working closely with spares/after‑sales, engineering and finance to ensure purchasing activity supports operational and project requirements.
• Managing and developing a niche supply base, often for legacy/low‑volume products and engineered components, including liaison with OEMs and specialist manufacturers.
• Ensuring accurate records, documentation and system data across POs, supplier information and pricing.
• Supporting compliance with group policies and contributing to ongoing process and systems improvements.
• WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

This role blends hands‑on procurement leadership with team coaching and process improvement.

We’re looking for

• Proven experience in procurement / purchasing / supply chain management, ideally within a manufacturing, engineering or industrial environment.
• Strong people management skills with a track record of stabilising or improving a struggling or under‑resourced team.
• Comfortable operating in a “roll‑up‑your‑sleeves” environment, fixing basics and driving throughput as well as engaging with senior stakeholders..
• Solid understanding of end‑to‑end purchasing processes and supporting systems.
• High level of emotional intelligence – empathetic, supportive style, able to handle sensitive situations and rebuild trust within a small team.
• Clear, confident communicator who can build effective relationships with operations, engineering, finance and external suppliers.
• Positive, pragmatic attitude with a focus on practical improvements and delivering results over an 18‑month period.

This is a rare chance to take ownership of a key function, leave a lasting legacy and shape how procurement supports a highly specialist engineering business