Purchasing and Supply Chain Manager in Tewkesbury

We at JKR are recruiting for a Purchasing and Supply Chain Manager to join our client, a fast-growing manufacturing company in Gloucestershire! This is a key leadership role responsible for the company's purchasing, supplier management and stores functions, ensuring the reliable, compliant and cost-effective supply of materials, consumables and services. Working closely with Production, Operations and Finance, the role will lead supplier strategy, drive continuous improvement and ensure purchasing activity meets AS9100 quality requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own and manage the purchase ordering process for all stock and non-stock items, ensuring compliance and ERP/MRP accuracy.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, acting as the primary point of contact for commercial and operational issues.
• Negotiate pricing, terms and contracts, reviewing and interpreting terms and conditions to protect the company’s commercial position.
• Monitor supplier delivery performance, escalating and resolving issues that affect production schedules.
• Conduct regular supplier audits and reviews, maintaining an approved supplier list in line with AS9100 requirements.
• Ensure stock levels are effectively managed to meet production requirements while minimising excess and obsolete stock.
• Work with the Stores team to oversee goods in/out processes, stock rotation and accurate record keeping.
• Lead, develop and performance-manage the Stores team, ensuring effective warehouse operations and compliance with health and safety requirements.
• Track and progress subcontractor orders, ensuring timely delivery and accurate order book updates.
• Coordinate with Production and Operations to understand demand and ensure materials are available on time.
• Provide clear, accurate reporting to senior management on purchasing activity, supplier performance, cost savings and stock status.
• Identify and lead process improvement and cost-reduction initiatives across purchasing and stores.
• Manage site-level service contracts, ensuring continuity, value and contract compliance.
• Maintain and continuously improve purchasing procedures in line with AS9100 accreditation and other quality and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to strategic growth by identifying new sources of supply, supporting new business and product introduction, and shaping purchasing strategy.

Core Requirements:

• Significant proven experience in a senior purchasing, supply chain or stores management role within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong working knowledge of purchasing processes and supplier management within manufacturing.
• Experience managing supplier relationships, purchase orders and contracts.
• Hands-on experience of stock control, inventory processes and supporting production requirements.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems for purchasing and stock management.
• Working knowledge of AS9100 quality management requirements and how they apply to purchasing and supply chain.
• Demonstrable ability to review, interpret and negotiate commercial terms and conditions.
• Experience leading and developing a team.
• Track record of implementing process improvements within purchasing or stores.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

• CIPS Level 5 qualification or working towards.
• Experience contributing to strategic sourcing or business growth initiatives.
• CIPS Level 6 or progression towards MCIPS status.
• Understanding of subcontractor management.

Working Hours & Benefits:

• 08:30-17:00 Monday-Thursday.
• 08:30-16:00 Fridays.
• Quarterly profit-sharing bonus.
• 31 days' holiday including Bank Holidays.
• Pension - 3% employer 5% employee.
• Paid professional development.
• Discounts and savings portal.
• Wellbeing portal.
• Cycle to Work.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Life Assurance policy.