At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Purchasing Department, negotiate with suppliers, and develop procurement strategies.
- Company: Join Lucy Electric, a leader in intelligent power distribution solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a focus on safety and efficiency.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for continuous improvement and training.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic environment while driving cost efficiency and quality.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in sourcing/purchasing and a degree in engineering.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ 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 crossâfunctional teams to support product development, quality improvements, and costâreduction 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
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering
- Minimum 10 years in sourcing/purchasing within a manufacturing environment
- Proficiency in ERP systems (preferably D365)
- Familiarity with electrical LV switchgear products
- Strong negotiation and analytical skills
Purchasing Manager in Thame employer: Lucy Electric
Contact Detail:
Lucy Electric Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Manager in Thame
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and services, especially in the electrical sector. This will help you tailor your answers and show you're genuinely interested.
â¨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Purchasing Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills before the big day.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Weâve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at Lucy Electric.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Manager in Thame
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Purchasing Manager role. Highlight your experience in sourcing and negotiations, and donât 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 youâre the perfect fit for the role. Mention specific examples from your past that align with the responsibilities listed in the job description, like managing supplier relationships or driving cost reduction projects.
Showcase Your Skills: Donât just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use bullet points to clearly outline your proficiency in ERP systems, negotiation tactics, and any experience with quality management systems. This will help us see how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. Itâs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you donât miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lucy Electric
â¨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of purchasing and sourcing, especially in a manufacturing environment. Brush up on your knowledge of ERP systems like D365 and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles.
â¨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led. Think about specific instances where you achieved cost savings or improved supplier terms. This will demonstrate your ability to drive value for the company.
â¨Team Player Vibes
Since this role involves working closely with cross-functional teams, be ready to talk about how you've collaborated with other departments in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you foster a high-performance culture within your team.
â¨Safety First!
Understand the importance of health and safety regulations in the supply chain. Be prepared to discuss how you've promoted a safe working environment in previous roles and how you ensure compliance with H&S standards.