At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead purchasing operations and build strong supplier relationships in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Company: Established engineering business focused on growth and continuous improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values expertise and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on procurement strategy and operational performance.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing management and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Chesterfield
Salary: Up to £65,000 + Car Allowance
The Opportunity
We are working with an established and successful engineering business that is looking to appoint an experienced Purchasing Manager to join their team. This is an exciting opportunity for a procurement professional with experience within the steel fabrication, manufacturing, or engineering sectors to take ownership of purchasing operations, supplier relationships, and continuous improvement initiatives. You will play a key role in ensuring the business has the materials, products, and services required to operate efficiently, while driving value through effective supplier management, negotiation, and process improvements.
The Role
As Purchasing Manager, you will be responsible for managing the day-to-day purchasing function, ensuring materials are sourced efficiently, competitively, and in line with operational requirements. Key responsibilities will include:
- Managing purchasing activities across the business, ensuring materials and services are delivered on time, at the right quality, and within budget.
- Developing and maintaining strong relationships with key suppliers, ensuring reliability, performance, and competitive commercial terms.
- Leading negotiations around pricing, contracts, and supplier agreements to achieve cost savings and added value.
- Working closely with internal teams to understand requirements and support smooth production and operational delivery.
- Monitoring supplier performance, market conditions, and potential supply chain risks.
- Identifying opportunities to improve procurement processes, reduce costs, and increase efficiency.
- Supporting and developing a small purchasing team, providing guidance, coaching, and day-to-day leadership.
- Managing supplier queries and resolving issues relating to quality, pricing, delivery, and service.
- Supporting inventory management improvements and ensuring effective stock control processes.
- Producing procurement reports and KPI updates to support business performance reviews.
- Ensuring purchasing processes align with company policies and best practice.
About You
The successful candidate will have:
- Proven experience in a purchasing or procurement management role within a steel fabrication, engineering, manufacturing, or similar environment.
- Strong knowledge of purchasing processes, supplier management, and supply chain operations.
- Experience negotiating with suppliers and delivering cost improvements.
- A commercially focused approach with the ability to make informed purchasing decisions.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build effective relationships internally and externally.
- Experience mentoring or managing others would be advantageous.
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Excel.
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles or inventory management systems would be beneficial.
- A relevant procurement qualification such as CIPS would be advantageous.
Why Join?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing and successful business where you will have the opportunity to influence procurement strategy, strengthen supplier partnerships, and make a tangible impact on operational performance. You will be joining a business that values expertise, continuous improvement, and the contribution of its people.
For more information please get in touch with Sharon O'Donnell or Sabrina O'Donnell at The Highfield Company.
Purchasing Manager in Chesterfield employer: Sunblink
At Sunblink, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment that encourages professional development. Our hybrid working model offers flexibility, allowing you to balance your personal and professional life while gaining valuable experience in diverse customer settings. With a strong focus on employee growth and a close-knit team culture, Sunblink is the ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the IT sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Manager in Chesterfield
✨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 Sunblink.
✨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 Chesterfield
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 Sunblink:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Sunblink. 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 Sunblink.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sunblink
✨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 Sunblink!
✨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 Sunblink. 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 Sunblink's culture.
