At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Purchasing Department and develop procurement strategies for optimal efficiency.
- Company: Join Lucy Electric, a leader in intelligent power distribution solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a focus on safety and efficiency.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic environment while driving cost reduction and supplier performance.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and 10 years of sourcing experience required.
- Other info: Promote a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading the LEUK outsourcing and re-sourcing of components and services with both established and new vendors, ensuring optimal cost of material purchases. This role works alongside global sourcing, cost benchmarking, and strategic sourcing initiatives aligned with the company’s long-term goals.
Lucy Electric is an international leader in intelligent secondary power distribution products and solutions, specialising in high-performance medium and low-voltage switchgear for utility, industrial and commercial applications.
The role leads the local Purchasing Department, driving sourcing strategy, supplier negotiations, and ongoing performance management to ensure quality, cost efficiency, and supply continuity. It works closely with cross‑functional teams to support product development, quality improvements, and cost‑reduction initiatives while ensuring full compliance with QMS, EHS, and H&S requirements. The position oversees team performance, training needs, and D365 system accuracy, alongside managing commodity risks, maintaining ERP/vendor records, and providing timely management reporting. It also contributes to budgeting and forecasting activities and promotes a strong culture of safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement across the supply chain.
Key Responsibilities- Leading the local team of the Purchasing Department
- Developing and implementing procurement strategies and contingency plans
- Rationalizing sources of supply for optimal efficiency
- Negotiating and finalizing supplier pricing and terms
- Coordinating with cross-functional teams (Design, R&D, QA, etc.)
- Supporting quality initiatives and vendor development
- Managing supplier relationships and performance
- Monitoring team KPIs and fostering a high-performance culture
- Overseeing QMS & EHS activities related to supply chain
- Driving cost reduction projects and reporting on KPIs
- Managing commodity risk and market dynamics
- Contributing to annual budgeting and cost forecasting
- Maintaining ERP records and vendor pricing
- Ensuring compliance with processes and identifying risks/opportunities
- Identifying and addressing team training needs
- Timely submission of management reports
- Budgeting activities for the Production Department
- Oversight of D365 system activities
- Promote a safe working environment and ensure compliance with H&S regulations
- Perform additional duties as required to enhance efficiency and service quality
- Adhere to company policies and maintain confidentiality
- Strategic thinking and decision-making under pressure
- Strong planning and MRP skills with attention to detail and deadlines
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal
- Effective problem-solving and analytical capabilities
- Leadership and team motivation skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP systems
- Understanding of risk management and sustainability in supply chain operations
- Minimum: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering
- Experience: Minimum 10 years in sourcing/purchasing within a manufacturing environment
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in ERP systems (preferably D365), familiarity with electrical LV switchgear products, strong negotiation and analytical skills
Purchasing Manager in Thame employer: Lucy Electric Ltd.
Contact Detail:
Lucy Electric Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Manager in Thame
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Purchasing Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Lucy Electric and understanding their products and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your answers. Focus on showcasing your leadership skills and how you’ve driven cost reduction projects in the past—this is key for a Purchasing Manager.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Lucy Electric and ready to contribute to their mission of efficiency and safety.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Manager in Thame
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Purchasing Manager role. Highlight your experience in sourcing and negotiations, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects that showcase your strategic thinking and leadership skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Mention specific achievements in procurement and how they align with our goals at Lucy Electric.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use examples from your past experiences to show how you’ve successfully managed supplier relationships, driven cost reductions, or improved processes in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lucy Electric Ltd.
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Purchasing Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of cost efficiency and supplier negotiations. Brush up on key metrics related to procurement, such as cost savings achieved in previous roles, and be ready to discuss how you can apply these strategies at Lucy Electric.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples that highlight your strategic thinking and decision-making skills. Think about times when you've had to make tough choices under pressure or develop contingency plans. This will show the interviewers that you can handle the responsibilities of leading the local Purchasing Department.
✨Foster Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with teams like Design and R&D, be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past. Share specific examples of projects where teamwork led to improved outcomes, especially in quality initiatives or cost-reduction efforts.
✨Emphasise Compliance and Safety
Given the importance of QMS, EHS, and H&S in this role, make sure to highlight your experience with compliance and safety regulations. Discuss how you've promoted a culture of safety in previous positions and how you plan to ensure adherence to these standards at Lucy Electric.