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- Tasks: Lead and develop a dynamic purchasing team while managing global supplier relationships.
- Company: Join Niftylift, a top designer of mobile elevated work platforms with a friendly culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 25+ days holiday, health cover, and a pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a global marketplace while developing your career in purchasing.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in purchasing or supply chain management; experience in engineering commodities preferred.
- Other info: Flexible role with opportunities for professional growth and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Purchasing Manager to join our friendly team at Niftylift. The role is based at our state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing facility in Hoyland, Barnsley. We offer competitive pay rates, excellent working conditions, overtime premiums, business performance bonus, 25 days holiday which increases with service (plus bank holidays), healthcare & benefits scheme, 5% contributory pension, death in service / life insurance, profit related bonus scheme, and subsidised refreshments (lunch and drinks).
Niftylift Limited is one of the world’s leading privately owned designers and manufacturers of mobile elevated work platforms. Our customer base is global, with products sold and locally supported in over 40 different countries. This success is comprehensively supported by a team of over 400 full‑time members of staff across our three UK centres of excellence sites in the UK.
This is a flexible role, to engage the global marketplace, in the selection of worldwide ethical / stable suppliers who can assist in supporting Niftylift in the growth & development of its products. The Purchasing Manager is responsible for overseeing both the ongoing maintenance and future development of the Niftylift supplier base at the Hoyland site, which will also include some joint and split commodity management with the Milton Keynes site, Purchasing/Commodity Management team.
The role is split into three main areas:
- Develop, support and coach the purchasing team.
- Formally develop and define value added procedures and their adherence.
- Providing leadership on development of the current and new supplier bases and logistics using processes and proven techniques to achieve a world‑class supply.
To ensure commercially secure efficient purchase, control and scheduling of material at the lowest overall cost, in line with the Niftylift purchasing strategy.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Manage the portfolio of suppliers with a spend of £10M plus, including the negotiation of clear and robust commercially secure contracts (including quality, open‑book costing and delivery), for new and existing suppliers.
- Develop and maintain a global structured supply base with dual source plus back‑up / reserve for all sensitive commodity types.
- Develop KPI reporting / reports, plus scorecard measurement, feedback and development of suppliers.
- Identify areas of opportunity, initiate & implement new purchasing strategies in conjunction with senior colleagues.
- Research, audit and select suitable competent and competitive vendors for the development of strategic partnerships based on total cost.
- Develop, maintain & audit an approved primary supplier base on their financial stability, technical, commercial, quality, delivery and support abilities.
- Competitively tender all parts as commodity groups, through the company’s stage gate system.
- Maintain structured communication/team work with MK.
- Support New Product Introduction projects through to proven / secure implementation.
- Conduct supplier development and recovery meetings / projects in line with the group needs.
- Develop and maintain ordering methods, rolling delivery schedules, the materials control and purchasing planning parameters on the company’s manufacturing software system (MRP).
- Verification, investigation and resolution of MRP purchasing/schedule related issues.
- Achieve cost down, through strong constructive negotiation, through supplier’s technical/engineering resources, global and currency sourcing, correct supplier selection (their skills, resource and facilities), packaging / storage, finish & coatings.
- Support through teamwork, the hands on raising of purchase orders, issuing schedules, expediting deliveries, receipt booking.
Experience
- Applicants should preferably be a qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply.
- Have a minimum of 5 years in a senior position in purchasing/commodity management or supply chain management role.
- Demonstrate proven experience and achievement in the following:
- Purchasing of steel, welded fabrications and machined commodities in the Engineering or aligned markets, plus site services requirements.
- Business administration skills.
- Purchasing & supply for continuous single piece flow line environment.
- Computer literate in Microsoft office and manufacturing software systems (i.e. MRP).
- Experience and ability to travel and operate within a global market place.
- Conversant with lean manufacturing tools.
Required areas of Knowledge
- Supply contracts to automotive standards and penalties.
- Open book costing / Purchase Price Variance.
- Rolling schedule deliveries.
- Supplier Audit processes/scoring/development.
- Commercial, SQA, QPAP, PPAP.
- Contract negotiation.
- Inventory reduction.
Working Hours & Salary
7:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday – Thursday
7:30 am – 1:30 pm Friday
Offering a competitive salary
Pay & Benefits
- Annual bonus (for indication only) based on recent average £500 per annum.
- 25 days holiday (increases with service, up to 30 days), plus bank holidays.
- Staff discounts.
- Free onsite parking.
- Subsidised refreshments (lunch and drink options).
- Free family events.
- Health cover scheme for dental, optical etc. (Additional Membership available for Partners, paid for by employee. Kids membership included for free).
- 5% contributory pension.
- Life insurance scheme.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Referral Programme.
Purchasing Manager employer: Niftylift Ltd
Contact Detail:
Niftylift Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Purchasing Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Niftylift and its competitors. Understand their products and market position so you can discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Purchasing Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to secure the best deals. Role-play common scenarios with a friend or mentor to build your confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Niftylift family. Let’s get you that Purchasing Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Purchasing Manager role. Highlight your experience in purchasing, supplier management, and any relevant achievements that align with what Niftylift is looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past successes in purchasing and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your skills in negotiation, supplier audits, and inventory management. These are key areas for the Purchasing Manager position, so make them stand out in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Niftylift Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Purchasing Manager, you'll be dealing with significant budgets and supplier contracts. Brush up on your financial acumen and be ready to discuss how you've managed large spends in the past. Bring examples of cost-saving initiatives you've implemented and how they benefited your previous employers.
✨Supplier Relationships Matter
Niftylift values strong supplier relationships, so be prepared to talk about how you've developed and maintained these in your previous roles. Share specific instances where your negotiation skills led to better terms or improved supplier performance.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
The role involves developing new purchasing strategies, so think about times when you've identified opportunities for improvement. Be ready to discuss your approach to strategic sourcing and how you’ve successfully implemented changes that enhanced supply chain efficiency.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Lean Manufacturing
Since Niftylift operates in a continuous flow environment, having a grasp of lean manufacturing principles is crucial. Prepare to discuss how you've applied these tools in your previous roles and how they can be beneficial in optimising purchasing processes.
