At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead purchasing operations and develop strategic processes across two manufacturing sites.
- Company: Established manufacturing business in Harlow with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, and company Christmas shutdown.
- Other info: Hands-on role with opportunities for career growth and process improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving purchasing efficiency and supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in purchasing, strong negotiation skills, and experience in manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for an experienced Purchasing Manager to join an established manufacturing business based in the Harlow area. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Purchasing Manager who wants to have genuine influence over how a purchasing function operates and develop it into a more structured and strategic operation. This is a hands-on management role with responsibility for purchasing activity across two UK manufacturing sites. The successful candidate will be closely involved in the day-to-day purchasing operation, with the opportunity to develop the function and take on a more strategic role over time. The role will suit an experienced purchasing professional who enjoys being involved in the detail but also has the commercial awareness and strategic mindset to improve processes, supplier performance and purchasing efficiency.
Purchasing Manager Responsibilities:
- Manage a purchasing spend of under £10 million and procurement activities across two manufacturing sites
- Lead, support and develop a Buyer reporting to you
- Negotiate pricing, lead times, terms and other commercial arrangements whilst building and maintaining strong relationships with key suppliers
- Ensure materials, components and services are available to support production requirements
- Manage purchase orders and monitor outstanding orders and deliveries
- Work proactively with suppliers to resolve supply, delivery and quality issues
- Monitor supplier performance and identify opportunities for improvement
- Support effective stock and inventory management
- Review purchasing data and ensure ERP information is accurate and up to date
- Monitor purchasing parameters including lead times, minimum order quantities, stock requirements and supplier pricing
- Identify opportunities for cost reduction and improved purchasing efficiency
- Review and improve existing purchasing processes and procedures
- Support new product introduction and wider business improvement initiatives
The successful Purchasing Manager:
- We're looking for someone who doesn’t simply manage purchasing from a distance, but someone who is prepared to understand the detail, challenge existing processes and make practical improvements
- Approximately 8+ years' experience in purchasing, procurement or materials management
- Significant experience within a manufacturing environment and proven supplier management and negotiation experience
- Previous people management, supervision or team development experience
- Experience working with ERP/MRP systems
- A good understanding of inventory management and material requirements
- Experience identifying and implementing process improvements
- A strategic approach to purchasing, alongside a willingness to remain hands-on
- Good Microsoft Office and Excel skills
What’s On Offer:
- Competitive salary
- 25 days' annual leave
- Company Christmas shutdown
- Pension scheme – 9% contribution
- Full-time, office-based position in Harlow, Essex
If you’re an experienced Purchasing Manager with a manufacturing background, strong supplier management skills and a practical approach to improving purchasing processes, we’d like to hear from you. Apply now for further information.
Purchasing Manager employer: The Hire Place LLP
The Hire Place LLP is an excellent employer for Electrical Maintenance Engineers, offering a dynamic work environment in Milton Keynes that fosters growth and development. With a strong emphasis on training and skill enhancement, employees benefit from a supportive culture that values teamwork and innovation, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in manufacturing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Manager
✨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 The Hire Place LLP.
✨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
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 The Hire Place LLP:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to The Hire Place LLP. 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 The Hire Place LLP.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Hire Place LLP
✨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 The Hire Place LLP!
✨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 The Hire Place LLP. 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 The Hire Place LLP's culture.
