At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships in a growing international company.
- Company: Join a dynamic manufacturing and distribution organisation in North West England.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the purchasing function and make an impact during a period of expansion.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and leadership abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: North West England (with overseas travel)
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Newman Stewart is partnering with a growing international manufacturing and distribution organisation in the North West to recruit a Purchasing Manager. Our client is a specialist manufacturer and distributor supplying technical products into the commercial vehicle and industrial components aftermarket. Operating across international markets, the business is entering a period of growth and is now seeking an experienced procurement professional to support the continued development of its purchasing function.
Job Summary
We are looking for a commercially astute Purchasing Manager to lead procurement activity across a broad technical product portfolio. In this senior role, you will manage supplier relationships, support international sourcing, improve purchasing performance and ensure the business maintains a competitive and resilient supply base. Reporting to the Group Purchasing Director, you will work closely with Operations, R&D, Sales and Finance to support stock availability, margin management, new product development and wider commercial objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement purchasing strategies aligned to commercial and operational goals.
- Identify, assess and onboard new suppliers across international markets.
- Lead sourcing activity for own-brand manufactured components and authorised distribution lines.
- Build and manage strong supplier relationships, negotiating pricing, terms, rebates and commercial agreements.
- Monitor supplier performance, including quality, lead times, on-time delivery and supply chain risk.
- Drive cost reduction initiatives, purchasing efficiencies and margin improvement.
- Work closely with internal teams to support stock availability, demand planning and new product development.
- Manage purchasing data, reporting and procurement activity through ERP and stock management systems.
- Lead, manage and develop the purchasing team, supporting continuous improvement across the function.
- Ensure procurement activity complies with group policies, import/export requirements and responsible sourcing standards.
Qualifications
- Proven experience in a purchasing or procurement management role, ideally within automotive, commercial vehicle, industrial components, manufacturing or a related sector.
- Experience managing international supply chains, including sourcing from Asia and Europe.
- Strong negotiation skills with experience managing supplier relationships, pricing agreements and commercial contracts.
- Commercially astute, with a strong understanding of cost modelling, landed costs, pricing and margin management.
- Experience managing supplier performance, stock availability, purchasing KPIs and supply chain risk.
- Confident user of ERP or stock management systems, with strong Excel skills.
- Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Right to work in the UK.
- CIPS qualified, working towards CIPS, or equivalent procurement qualification.
- Experience within the commercial vehicle, heavy transport or automotive components aftermarket sector.
- Experience working within a group, multi-site or international business.
- Familiarity with private label, white-label or own-brand product sourcing and development.
What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
- Senior purchasing role with genuine scope to shape the function.
- Opportunity to join a growing international organisation during a period of expansion.
- Broad procurement remit across sourcing, supplier management, cost control and team leadership.
- Company pension scheme.
- Collaborative, experienced team within a specialist and growing market.
Purchasing Manager in Nottingham employer: Newman Stewart
Newman Stewart offers an exceptional opportunity for a Purchasing Manager in the North West of England, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping procurement strategies within a growing international manufacturing and distribution organisation. With a competitive salary, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to lead a dedicated team, this position not only promises professional growth but also the unique advantage of engaging with international markets and suppliers. Join us to be part of a dynamic environment that values innovation and continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Manager in Nottingham
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Newman Stewart.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Manager in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Newman Stewart:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Newman Stewart. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Newman Stewart.
How to prepare for a job interview at Newman Stewart
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Newman Stewart!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Newman Stewart. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Newman Stewart's culture.
