At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in purchasing and production planning to drive operational excellence.
- Company: Join a high-growth, innovative manufacturing business near Hailsham.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and the chance to shape processes in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in an ambitious, internationally focused company.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on operational performance and team development.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in purchasing and production planning with leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
- Purchasing & Planning
- Manager
- Sussex
- Job
Type: Full-time The Opportunity An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Purchasing & Planning Manager to join a high-growth, innovation-led advanced manufacturing business.
This is a key leadership position within the organisation, responsible for driving excellence across purchasing, production planning and scheduling.
You will play an important role in supporting continued growth, developing scalable processes and ensuring the business consistently delivers for both its customers and suppliers.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in low-batch, high-complexity manufacturing, combined with proven leadership experience and the commercial awareness to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
The Role Reporting to the Operations Director, you will lead a team of four professionals and take ownership of purchasing and production planning activities.
You will combine strategic thinking with a hands-on approach, ensuring robust processes are in place while driving continuous improvement, operational efficiency and high levels of delivery performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, develop and motivate a multi-disciplinary team of four.
- Create a culture of ownership, accountability, transparency and operational excellence.
- Drive and maintain 95%+ On-Time Delivery to customers.
- Drive and maintain 95%+ On-Time Delivery from suppliers.
- Lead production planning, purchasing and scheduling activities.
- Develop scalable processes and systems to support business growth.
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and implement practical solutions.
- Review and introduce best practices to improve efficiency and performance.
- Work closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, Finance and Sales to ensure strong operational alignment.
- Provide commercial and operational insight to support wider business strategy and decision-making.
- Manage priorities effectively within a fast-moving, high-growth manufacturing environment.
- Attend customer meetings, site visits and industry events where required.
About You We are looking for an experienced Purchasing & Planning professional who has operated successfully within a low-batch, high-complexity manufacturing environment.
You will ideally bring
- 10+ years' experience in purchasing and production planning.
- At least 5 years' experience in a leadership or management position.
- A proven track record in production planning and purchasing.
- Experience managing and developing a team.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, supply chains and scheduling.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- A structured approach to planning, prioritisation and delivery.
- Strong commercial awareness and the ability to make informed operational decisions.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- A high-energy, resilient and results-driven approach.
- The ability to adapt quickly and thrive within a growing organisation.
Experience across advanced manufacturing technologies would be highly desirable.
Qualifications You will ideally be degree educated, although candidates who can demonstrate the appropriate level of experience and capability will be considered.
Why Join?
This is an excellent opportunity to take a senior role within an ambitious, innovative and internationally focused manufacturing business.
You will have the opportunity to make a genuine impact on operational performance, develop a high-performing team and help shape the processes and systems required to support the next stage of the organisation's growth.
If you are an experienced Purchasing & Planning professional looking for a role where you can combine leadership, operational delivery and continuous improvement, we'd be keen to hear from you.
Apply now to find out more
Planning and Purchasing Manager employer: Terry Parris Associates
Join a forward-thinking engineering team as a Lead Design Engineer in Marden, where you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on our innovative truck-mounted sweeper product range. We pride ourselves on a flexible working culture that fosters collaboration and personal growth, offering hands-on involvement in design and prototype development while supporting your professional advancement through mentorship and training opportunities. With a commitment to quality and teamwork, we ensure that every employee's contributions are recognised and valued, making this an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning and Purchasing Manager
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Terry Parris Associates, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Planning and Purchasing Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Terry Parris Associates specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Terry Parris Associates
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Terry Parris Associates, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Terry Parris Associates value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
