Production Planning & Purchasing Manager in Rochester

Production Planning & Purchasing Manager in Rochester

Rochester Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
New Appointments Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage production schedules, purchasing, and supplier relationships in a dynamic engineering environment.
  • Company: Join a specialist engineering and manufacturing business with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and opportunities for training and development.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with potential for UK and overseas travel.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by driving improvements in production planning and procurement processes.
  • Qualifications: Experience in production planning and purchasing, with strong organisational and negotiation skills.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Location: Rochester, Kent

Salary: Competitive + Benefits

Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 - 17:00

We are seeking an experienced Production Planning & Purchasing Manager to join a specialist engineering and manufacturing business. This is a varied role combining production planning, procurement, supplier management, inventory control, and continuous improvement activities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and manage production schedules to meet customer delivery requirements.
  • Manage purchasing activities for materials, components, and subcontract services.
  • Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, negotiating pricing and lead times.
  • Oversee MRP activities, stock levels, and inventory accuracy.
  • Coordinate import/export activities and freight arrangements.
  • Work closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Finance teams.
  • Drive improvements across planning, procurement, and stock control processes.

Essential Requirements

  • Previous experience in production planning and purchasing within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
  • Strong understanding of ERP/MRP systems.
  • Ability to interpret technical drawings and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
  • Strong supplier management and negotiation skills.
  • Excellent organisational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Experience within low-volume, bespoke, or project-driven manufacturing environments.

Desirable

  • Experience within specialist engineering, marine, offshore, cable, or other technically complex industries.
  • Knowledge of machining, fabricated components, metals, polymers, or engineered assemblies.
  • Experience managing import/export documentation and customs processes.
  • CIPS, APICS, or other supply chain qualifications.
  • Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience.
  • Degree qualified in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related discipline.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary.
  • 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
  • Contributory pension scheme.
  • Training and development opportunities.

Please note: Applicants must have permanent UK Right to Work. Occasional UK and overseas travel may be required.

CV's in word format to be sent to (url removed)

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment in line with the Equality Act 2010. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Production Planning & Purchasing Manager in Rochester employer: New Appointments Group

Join a leading specialist engineering and manufacturing business in Rochester, Kent, where you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to employee development, this role as a Production Planning & Purchasing Manager offers you the chance to grow your career while making a meaningful impact in a technically complex environment. Enjoy the unique advantage of working in a supportive team that prioritises continuous improvement and strong supplier relationships.

New Appointments Group

Contact Details:

New Appointments Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Production Planning & Purchasing Manager in Rochester

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups to meet potential employers and get insider info on job openings.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their production processes and challenges. This will help you showcase how your skills in production planning and purchasing can add value to their team.

Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! Since supplier management is key in this role, be ready to discuss how you've successfully negotiated pricing and lead times in past positions. Real-life examples will make you stand out.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you, so keep an eye on our listings for similar roles!

We think you need these skills to ace Production Planning & Purchasing Manager in Rochester

Production Planning
Purchasing Management
Supplier Management
Inventory Control
Continuous Improvement
ERP/MRP Systems
Technical Drawing Interpretation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Production Planning & Purchasing Manager role. Highlight your experience in production planning and purchasing, especially within engineering or manufacturing environments. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!

Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your strong supplier management and negotiation skills. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you've successfully built relationships and managed procurement activities. This will help us see your potential impact!

Keep It Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Avoid jargon and make sure your layout is easy to read. We appreciate a straightforward approach that gets to the point without unnecessary fluff!

Check Your Details:Before hitting send, double-check your spelling, grammar, and overall layout. A polished application shows attention to detail, which is crucial in our line of work. Remember, we love a good Word format, so keep it simple and professional!

How to prepare for a job interview at New Appointments Group

Know Your Numbers

Make sure you’re familiar with key metrics related to production planning and purchasing. Brush up on your understanding of ERP/MRP systems and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. This will show that you can hit the ground running.

Supplier Relationships Matter

Prepare examples of how you've built and maintained strong supplier relationships. Think about specific negotiations you've led, and be ready to share how those experiences have improved pricing or lead times. This will demonstrate your negotiation skills and ability to manage suppliers effectively.

Technical Know-How is Key

Since this role involves interpreting technical drawings and Bills of Materials (BOMs), brush up on your technical knowledge. Be prepared to discuss any relevant experience you have with machining, fabricated components, or engineered assemblies. This will highlight your suitability for the role.

Continuous Improvement Mindset

Showcase your experience with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement initiatives. Prepare to discuss specific projects where you’ve driven improvements in planning, procurement, or stock control processes. This will illustrate your proactive approach and commitment to efficiency.