Purchasing Manager in Rochdale

Reference: JN-082026-7086805Posted: 2026-09-08Location: Rochdale, England, GBContract type: Full timeCompany: Michael PageJob function: Procurement & Supply ChainSubsector: Direct ProcurementSector: Industrial / ManufacturingWhere: RochdaleContract type: PermanentConsultant name: Huw PainterConsultant phone: +44 161 829 0369Member of the site management teamGrowing manufacturing companyAbout Our Client Our client is a leading industrial manufacturing company based in Rochdale Job Description The Purchasing Manager holds strategic and operational accountability for all procurement activity across the site. This critical role ensures the seamless, cost effective, and resilient supply of complex engineered components, raw materials, and secondary services. The successful candidate will modernise procurement workflows, mitigate supply chain risks, lead high-value contract negotiations, and cultivate strategic supplier partnerships to support heavy engineering operations. Strategic Procurement & Commercial Management*

Formulate Strategy: Design and execute robust procurement strategies aligned with localized site metrics and overarching commercial objectives.*

Financial Accountability: Oversee the site's comprehensive purchasing budget, monitoring expenditure and variances to preserve healthy working capital.* Capital Expenditure (CapEx): Partner closely with project engineering teams to facilitate capital expenditure projects, managing heavy machinery and asset acquisition from specification to deployment.*

Continuous Improvement: Spearhead lean procurement initiatives and total cost of ownership (TCO) reductions across the buying function.

Sourcing, Tendering & Contract Management* Tender Management: Lead complete Invitation to Tender (ITT) and Request for Proposal (RFP) processes for high-value engineering contracts.* Contract Negotiation: Conduct complex commercial and legal negotiations to secure favorable terms, SLAs, and pricing structures.* Risk & Compliance: Maintain absolute compliance with local UK legal regulations, contractual obligations, and corporate governance protocols.* Supply Chain Resilience: Conduct rigorous selection, auditing, and performance mapping of global and domestic heavy engineering suppliers.

Team Leadership & Stakeholder Collaboration*

Team Development: Provide direct leadership, mentorship, and technical training to the site purchasing team, fostering a high-performance culture.*

Cross-Functional Synergy: Collaborate with internal departments-including Engineering, Quality Assurance, Operations, and Finance-to guarantee material availability.*

EHS Commitment: Actively support and enforce absolute adherence to statutory Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) legislation across the supply base. The Successful Applicant Professional Experience*

Heavy Industry Expertise: Proven track record of procurement success within a heavy engineering, bespoke manufacturing, or heavy machinery environment.* You wuill manage the purchasing department team so strong people and leadership skills are seesntial*

International Sourcing: Demonstrated experience managing complex global supply chains, including occasional overseas travel for supplier validation and Group alignment.

Qualifications & Technical Skills*

Professional Certification: Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (MCIPS / CIPS) qualification or equivalent professional standard / experience*

Engineering Background: Formal engineering qualification (HNC/HND/Degree) or equivalent deep technical aptitude to read engineering drawings and understand fabrications.*

ERP Proficiency: Advanced literacy in modern MRP/ERP frameworks, with a strong preference for SAP environments.*

Data Literacy: High level of IT literacy, utilizing data analytics to drive supplier KPI tracking and cost-saving metrics. What's on Offer Excellent salary, bonus and benefits package