Purchasing Manager in Tonbridge

We're recruiting a Purchasing Manager to join a high-performing procurement team. You would be responsible for reliable sourcing and procurement for good quality materials, products and services, and to ensure they are delivered in a timely manner to support the production plan and needs of the business. You will manage the purchasing department including providing support, guidance and mentoring to your new members.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop, lead and execute purchasing strategies, including cost down initiatives and improvements to the logistics flow.
• Track and report KPI's to reduce costs and improve effectiveness including on time delivery, quality and vendor performance and actively develop or exit underperforming vendors.
• Craft negotiation strategies and negotiate terms of contracts; meeting and assessing suppliers with respect to their suitability, including site visits and audits as required.
• Manage existing and introduce new contracts and supply agreements.
• Maintain relationships with existing suppliers whilst acting as an ambassador to the business.
• Take ownership of supply line challenges elevating concerns to the relevant departments, as needed.
• To maintain system data in SAP to ensure accuracy of MRP output.
• Work with the Production Planning Supervisor to identify risk management strategies in order to provision materials where there are supply chain constraints e.g. dual sourcing, strategic safety stock, consignment stock etc.
• Lead outsourcing opportunities with regard to supplier selection, contract negotiation, sample approval and sign off and execution.
• Take part in production planning and execution meetings, S&OP meetings and other internal meetings as required in order to fully understand the build programme and identify any supply chain implications.
• Work with production and ensure that shortages are kept to a minimum by making regular checks of shortage reporting system and liaising with production teams.
• Oversee the materials requirement plan and ensure that it is analysed and completed in an accurate and timely manner.
• Manage the purchasing team, including training on SAP and support ongoing training and staff development.
• Understand and lead the importation process of goods from overseas.
• Work with the Facilities Manager and CFO to negotiate contracts for energy/utilities.
• Negotiate improved costs and terms related to CAPEX projects.
• Manage the process of contractor fitments with the vendors and production departments to agree convenient fitment dates.
• Lead change management for the purchasing team, supporting new product introductions as well as changes to current products and processes.
• Complete quarterly reviews and present them to the SLT when required.

About you:

• CIPS qualified preferred.
• Previous experience as a Purchasing Manager.
• SAP experience is essential.
• Familiar with sourcing and negotiation processes.
• Highly developed communication and networking skills.
• Ability to collate and analyse data and report to senior management as required.
• Proven leadership and teamwork skills.
• Excellent knowledge of current purchasing and procurement regulations.
• Ability to travel throughout the UK and Europe to visit suppliers when required.

This is a great opportunity to make a visible impact in a collaborative, performance-driven environment.

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.