Purchasing Manager in Glasgow

Purchasing Manager in Glasgow

Glasgow Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
II-VI UK, Ltd.

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead purchasing strategies and build strong supplier partnerships in a high-tech environment.
  • Company: Coherent Corp, a global leader in photonics and advanced laser technologies.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a collaborative work culture.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team committed to innovation and operational excellence.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a cutting-edge technology company while driving continuous improvement.
  • Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong leadership skills, and a degree in a related field.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

Coherent Corp is the global leader in photonics, designing and manufacturing advanced laser, optical, and materials technologies.

Our innovations power semiconductor manufacturing, AI infrastructure, advanced communications, and precision industrial systems worldwide.

With a global footprint and cutting-edge manufacturing and R&D, we’re shaping the future of high-tech industries.

In Scotland, our site is a key centre for laser and ultrafast laser technology, specialising in the development, manufacture, and lifecycle support of advanced laser systems for demanding industrial and scientific applications.

Working closely with teams across our global network, we combine deep engineering expertise with collaborative innovation to deliver high-performance, reliable laser solutions with real-world impact.

Purchasing Manager

The Role

Are you a strategic purchasing leader who thrives in a fast-paced, high-tech manufacturing environment?

As Purchasing Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring the successful sourcing and supply of materials, components, and equipment that support our operations in Scotland and our global business.

Reporting to the Senior Materials Manager, you'll work cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Strategic Purchasing teams to deliver cost, quality, and service improvements while building strong supplier partnerships.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced procurement professional to influence business performance, lead continuous improvement initiatives, and contribute to the success of a global technology leader.

What you will be doing...

  • Lead and develop the site's purchasing function, ensuring alignment with business objectives and procurement best practices.
  • Drive continuous improvement in cost, quality, supplier performance, and strategic sourcing activities.
  • Oversee purchasing activities and approval processes to ensure the timely and efficient procurement of materials, components, and equipment.
  • Build strong relationships with key suppliers while supporting strategic global sourcing initiatives.
  • Monitor supplier performance, contract compliance, delivery schedules, and commercial agreements.
  • Collaborate closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to ensure inventory levels and production requirements are effectively supported.
  • Support and mentor Buyers, providing guidance on supplier management, escalation issues, negotiations, and continuous improvement projects.
  • Lead negotiations and contribute to commercial decisions that positively impact cost and supply security.
  • Establish and maintain standard costs in line with company procedures and financial objectives.
  • Drive supply chain improvement projects and help identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, resilience, and customer satisfaction.
  • Champion a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence within your team and across the organisation.

About You

We're looking for a proactive and commercially minded purchasing professional who combines strong leadership skills with strategic thinking and a passion for continuous improvement.

You will bring

  • A degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience gained through professional expertise and training.
  • Significant experience within Purchasing, Procurement, or Supply Chain Management in a manufacturing environment.
  • A proven track record of leading, developing, and motivating high-performing teams.
  • Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, material planning, production control, and supplier management.
  • Experience reviewing and negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships.
  • Strong analytical and commercial acumen, with an understanding of cost management, profitability, and business performance.
  • Knowledge of global supply chain trends and their impact on sourcing strategies and supplier networks.
  • Experience working with MRP/ERP systems, with Oracle experience considered advantageous.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Power Point, and other business systems.
  • Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a dynamic environment.
  • Strong negotiation, decision-making, and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of a global organisation.
  • The ability to work effectively across cultures, functions, and geographies while driving positive change and collaboration.

Most importantly, you'll be someone who enjoys taking ownership, building strong partnerships, and helping create supply chain solutions that support the growth and success of a world-leading technology business.

  • Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position:
  • I Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust
  • C Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
  • A Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome
  • R Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone
  • E Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
  • APPLICATION & SELECTION

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

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Purchasing Manager in Glasgow employer: II-VI UK, Ltd.

Coherent Corp is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Scotland that fosters innovation and collaboration within the high-tech industry. Employees benefit from a strong focus on professional growth, with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge projects and develop their skills alongside a team of experts. The company's commitment to integrity, respect, and enthusiasm creates a supportive culture where every team member's contributions are valued, making it a rewarding place to build a career.

II-VI UK, Ltd.

Contact Details:

II-VI UK, Ltd. Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Purchasing Manager in Glasgow

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 II-VI UK, Ltd..

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 Glasgow

Strategic Sourcing
Supplier Management
Negotiation Skills
Contract Management
Cost Management
Analytical Skills
Project Management

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 II-VI UK, Ltd.:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to II-VI UK, Ltd.. 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 II-VI UK, Ltd..

How to prepare for a job interview at II-VI UK, Ltd.

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 II-VI UK, Ltd.!

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 II-VI UK, Ltd.. 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 II-VI UK, Ltd.'s culture.