At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement and sourcing strategies in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Established engineering and manufacturing business with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £65,000 and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Enjoy autonomy in a fast-paced, technically complex setting.
- Why this job: Shape procurement performance and influence key production programmes.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, supplier management, and materials planning required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 € per year.
An established engineering and manufacturing business operating within a complex, project-driven environment is looking to appoint a Procurement Manager to lead all sourcing, materials planning and inbound supply activity across multiple programmes.
This is a senior, hands-on role with real influence. You’ll be responsible for ensuring materials, components and external services are available to support demanding production schedules while delivering strong commercial outcomes and driving long-term supplier performance.
Working closely with production, engineering, programme management and finance, you’ll operate across both the strategic and operational elements of procurement and supply, helping to keep delivery on track in a technically complex setting.
Key responsibilities- Define and deliver an effective procurement and supply strategy aligned to business and programme requirements
- Lead all procurement activity, including sourcing, supplier selection, commercial negotiation and contract placement
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to improve cost, delivery reliability and quality performance
- Identify supply risks early and implement mitigation plans, including alternative sourcing and capacity planning
- Oversee materials planning and scheduling to ensure continuity of supply into manufacturing
- Own and manage MRP processes, ensuring accuracy of demand, lead times and inventory parameters
- Work closely with production and engineering teams to manage change, priorities and build requirements
- Drive effective inventory management, balancing availability with working capital and space constraints
- Take ownership of inbound logistics and material flow from supplier through to point of use
- Monitor supplier KPIs, resolve issues proactively and support continuous improvement initiatives
- Maintain integrity of ERP/MRP data relating to pricing, lead times, stock and supplier information
- Provide clear visibility and reporting on supply status, risks, cost exposure and performance
- Champion process, system and ways-of-working improvements across procurement and supply operations
You’ll be an experienced Procurement / Supply Chain professional with a background in manufacturing or complex engineering environments.
You’re likely to bring:
- Strong experience across procurement, supplier management and materials planning
- Proven commercial and negotiation capability, with a track record of delivering value
- A solid understanding of MRP/ERP systems, inventory control and production-led planning
- Experience operating in low-volume, high-variation or build-to-order manufacturing environments
- The ability to analyse data and forecasts to support confident, informed decision-making
- A practical, solutions-focused approach with the confidence to influence across functions
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting
- Professional qualifications in procurement, supply chain or engineering (e.g. CIPS, APICS/CPIM) are advantageous, though experience is highly valued
A senior, influential role within a technically complex manufacturing business. The opportunity to shape procurement and supply performance end-to-end. Exposure to specialist, high-profile production programmes. A collaborative, engineering-led culture with real autonomy.
Locations
Buying Manager (Food/FMCG) in Essex, Witham employer: Pure Resourcing Solutions
As a Buying Manager in Essex, you will join an established engineering and manufacturing business that values innovation and collaboration. The company offers a dynamic work culture where your expertise will directly influence procurement strategies and supplier relationships, ensuring a meaningful impact on production outcomes. With opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to continuous improvement, this role provides a rewarding environment for those looking to advance their careers in a complex, project-driven setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Manager (Food/FMCG) in Essex, Witham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement processes. Show them you understand their challenges and how you can help solve them. Tailor your examples to highlight your relevant experience!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged and are genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t just rely on job boards. Check out our website for exclusive listings and apply directly. We’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Manager (Food/FMCG) in Essex, Witham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buying Manager role. Highlight your experience in procurement, supplier management, and materials planning. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your commercial negotiation successes and how you've built strong supplier relationships.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your experience with MRP/ERP systems and inventory control. We’re looking for someone who can navigate complex environments, so make sure we know you’ve got the technical chops!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pure Resourcing Solutions
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in the context of food and FMCG. Be ready to discuss your experience with supplier management, negotiation tactics, and how you've successfully implemented procurement strategies in the past.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your ability to analyse data and forecasts. Bring examples of how you've used data to make informed decisions in previous roles, particularly in managing inventory and MRP processes. This will show that you can handle the complexities of the role.
✨Build a Connection with the Team
Since this role involves working closely with production, engineering, and finance teams, think about how you can build rapport with these departments. Be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated across functions in the past and how you can bring that collaborative spirit to their team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about potential supply risks and how you would mitigate them. Having a few well-thought-out strategies ready will show that you're proactive and solutions-focused.
