Purchasing and Planning Manager in London

Purchasing and Planning Manager in London

London Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Robert Walters

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead purchasing and planning activities, ensuring seamless alignment with business goals.
  • Company: A leading manufacturer with a supportive and innovative culture.
  • Benefits: Generous pension contributions, ongoing training, and early Friday finishes.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment focused on professional development and teamwork.
  • Why this job: Take the next step in your procurement career with ample growth opportunities.
  • Qualifications: 5-10+ years in purchasing, strong MRP/ERP knowledge, and leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

A leading manufacturer is looking for an experienced purchasing professional to join in a brand new, pivotal role across purchasing and planning at their site in St Helens. You will have responsibility of a team of buyers and planners, supporting their development while ensuring all purchasing activities and planning schedules are streamlined. With wide scope for development and progression, this onsite role is perfect for someone wanting to take the next step in their procurement career.

What You'll Do:

  • Overseeing procurement activities for raw materials, components, and services.
  • Managing supplier performance by monitoring quality, delivery timelines, costs, and nurturing strong supplier relationships.
  • Negotiating pricing structures, lead times, and contracts with suppliers to achieve cost savings while maintaining operational dependability.
  • Leading daily production planning activities and managing the weekly Master Production Schedule (MPS) to align demand forecasts with actual production capabilities.
  • Continuously adjusting plans in response to changes in demand, shortages of materials, or operational challenges to ensure smooth workflow.

Please note this role is fully onsite.

What You Bring:

  • 5-10+ years of experience in purchasing and supply chain roles within a manufacturing environment where teamwork was essential.
  • Proven responsibility for managing Master Production Schedules (MPS) as well as detailed daily production schedules.
  • A strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle or Microsoft Dynamics.
  • Experience in supplier negotiation and procurement strategy development, including leadership skills with the ability to mentor colleagues.
  • Clear and considerate communication style; excels at stakeholder management across different departments.

The Company:

This company's supportive leadership fosters an environment where knowledge sharing is encouraged at every level, ongoing training opportunities (including obtaining CIPS certification) ensure that your career continues to progress alongside industry developments. The business invests heavily in modern digital tools designed to streamline planning processes so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional results for customers while growing professionally within a stable yet forward-thinking workplace. Generous pension contributions further demonstrate their dedication not only to your present but also your future security. You'll also enjoy an afternoon finish on a Friday to start your weekend early.

How to Apply:

Apply now or for more information, feel free to contact Senior Consultant Jess Vernal.

Purchasing and Planning Manager in London employer: Robert Walters

Join a leading organisation in the UK property and infrastructure sector as a Legal Director - Construction and Development, where you will be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration and innovation. With a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth, this role offers a unique chance to influence major projects while enjoying a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and development. Located in Cheshire, you will benefit from a vibrant community and access to a wealth of resources in the construction and development field.

Robert Walters

Contact Details:

Robert Walters Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Purchasing and Planning Manager in London

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 Robert Walters.

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 and Planning Manager in London

Purchasing Management
Production Planning
Supplier Negotiation
Master Production Schedule (MPS) Management
MRP/ERP Systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics)
Supplier Relationship Management
Cost Savings Strategies

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 Robert Walters:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Robert Walters. 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 Robert Walters.

How to prepare for a job interview at Robert Walters

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 Robert Walters!

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 Robert Walters. 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 Robert Walters's culture.