At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead purchasing and stock management for a dynamic engineering business.
- Company: Established engineering firm with over 50 years of innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy autonomy in a lean manufacturing setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a thriving manufacturing sector while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing within manufacturing or engineering; strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 33750 - 41250 £ per year.
Our client is a well-established engineering business, supplying products and solutions across Ireland, the UK, Europe and the Middle East for over 50 years. Employing approximately 40 people at its Newry site, the business combines industry expertise with an ambition to keep innovating in its sector. The company is now seeking an experienced purchasing professional to take ownership of materials purchasing and stock management.
The Purchasing Manager will take ownership of sourcing, supplier relationships, cost control and stock availability across a busy manufacturing site. The successful candidate will:
- Take ownership of purchasing raw materials, components, bought-in products and subcontracted services, including aluminium, steel, galvanising and plastics.
- Develop a competitive supplier base across the UK, Ireland and selected international markets, identifying alternative sources where appropriate.
- Negotiate and benchmark pricing, terms, order quantities and delivery arrangements, balancing cost with quality, service, lead time and risk.
- Build effective relationships with key suppliers, monitoring performance and supply risk across cost, quality, reliability and lead times.
- Set appropriate stock levels, reorder points and purchasing schedules, working closely with Production and Operations to anticipate demand.
- Reduce avoidable stock-outs and emergency orders while controlling working capital and ageing stock.
- Maintain visibility of materials spend, delivering measurable savings and value improvements.
- Line-manage and develop the Purchasing Officer, and work across Finance, Operations, Production, Technical and Commercial teams to strengthen purchasing processes and decision-making.
We are seeking a commercially minded purchasing professional with a strong track record in buying or purchasing within a manufacturing, engineering or closely related environment. Candidates should be able to demonstrate:
- Experience at Buyer, Senior Buyer, Purchasing Specialist or Purchasing Manager level.
- Experience purchasing metals such as aluminium or steel and/or engineered components, rather than solely consumables or services.
- Evidence of effective supplier negotiation and of improving price, terms or overall value.
- Experience managing supplier relationships and performance, including supplier visits where appropriate.
- Practical knowledge of stock control, purchasing schedules, reorder points and stock takes.
- Strong commercial judgement, numeracy and attention to detail, with confidence using spreadsheets and purchasing or stock-control systems.
- Clear communication skills and the ability to influence colleagues and suppliers constructively.
- Experience of international sourcing, construction products, ISO-accredited environments, or a relevant purchasing qualification such as CIPS would all be an advantage, though none are essential.
The successful candidate will be commercial and analytical, but also practical and delivery-focused a proactive, credible relationship-builder who is comfortable with autonomy and the breadth of a lean manufacturing SME.
If you have the experience and drive to take ownership of purchasing and stock management for a growing manufacturing business, please send a tailored CV using the appropriate method or call Lucas Executive Search for a confidential discussion about the opportunity. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Purchasing Manager in Newry employer: Lucas Executive Search
As a Purchasing Manager at this well-established engineering business in Newry, you will join a dynamic team that values innovation and collaboration. The company offers a supportive work culture with opportunities for professional growth, allowing you to take ownership of purchasing processes while developing key supplier relationships. With a focus on employee development and a commitment to excellence, this role provides a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the success of a thriving manufacturing environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Manager in Newry
✨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 Lucas Executive Search.
✨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 Newry
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 Lucas Executive Search:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Lucas Executive Search. 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 Lucas Executive Search.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lucas Executive Search
✨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 Lucas Executive Search!
✨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 Lucas Executive Search. 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 Lucas Executive Search's culture.
