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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchasing activities and drive cost efficiency across multiple sites.
- Company: Dynamic manufacturing organisation known for operational excellence.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, professional development support, and exposure to a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
- Qualifications: CIPS qualification preferred, strong negotiation skills, and ERP system experience.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture that values innovation and continuous improvement.
Check you match the skill requirements for this role, as well as associated experience, then apply with your CV below.
Location: Sunderland (Hybrid – 2 days per week in the office)
Contract Type: 12-month Fixed Term Contract
Benefits:
- Hybrid working model (2 days office-based)
- Opportunity to work across multiple sites
- Exposure to a fast-paced, collaborative environment
- Support towards professional development
The Company:
This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-established and dynamic manufacturing organisation in the North East. The business has a reputation for operational excellence and continuous improvement, with a focus on delivering high-quality products and services to its customers. With a supportive and inclusive culture, the organisation encourages innovation, values its people, and invests in their development. Joining this team as a Purchasing Controller means working in an environment where your contributions make a real impact and your ideas are valued.
Working Hours:
Full-time, Monday to Friday (Hybrid working available)
Job Description:
As a Purchasing Controller, you will manage indirect purchasing and capital expenditure activities across multiple sites. You will play a key role in driving cost efficiency, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring contract compliance, while supporting the wider purchasing team.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing indirect consumables and service contracts
- Leading supplier negotiations and cost-reduction initiatives
- Overseeing contracts in areas such as industrial services, security, cleaning, waste management, and equipment hire
- Supporting competitive tendering, supplier selection, and benchmarking activity
- Working closely with budget holders to ensure value for money
- Maintaining blanket orders, pricing, invoice queries, ERP data, and payment terms
- Supporting wider purchasing and commercial tasks as required
This Purchasing Controller role requires strong organisational skills, commercial awareness, and the ability to build productive relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
Skills & Experience:
- Ideally CIPS qualified or working towards
- Experience in purchasing consumables and/or capital equipment
- Strong negotiation and contract management skills
- Confident using ERP systems and Microsoft Office
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
You will also demonstrate commitment to health & safety, GDPR compliance, ethical standards, and corporate responsibility. As a Purchasing Controller, you will exemplify accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Why Should You Apply?
This is an ideal opportunity for a Purchasing Controller seeking a 12-month fixed term contract in a hybrid working environment. You will gain exposure to complex procurement activity, work closely with multiple stakeholders, and play a pivotal role in optimising costs and supplier performance. If you are proactive, commercially minded, and enjoy driving results, this Purchasing Controller role offers both challenge and the chance to make a tangible impact.
Purchasing Controller in Sunderland employer: Theo James Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Theo James Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Controller in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Purchasing Controller role. 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 culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you showcase how you can contribute to their operational excellence and continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Purchasing Controller, you'll need to demonstrate strong negotiation abilities. Role-play scenarios with a friend or mentor to build your confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Controller in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your purchasing experience, negotiation skills, and any relevant qualifications like CIPS. We want to see how you fit into our dynamic team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Purchasing Controller role. Share specific examples of your past achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Organisational Skills: As a Purchasing Controller, strong organisational skills are key. In your application, mention any tools or methods you use to stay organised, especially when managing multiple contracts or supplier relationships. We love a candidate who can juggle tasks efficiently!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Theo James Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Purchasing Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of cost efficiency and supplier negotiations. Brush up on key metrics related to purchasing and be ready to discuss how you've driven cost reductions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led. Think about specific situations where you achieved significant savings or improved contract terms. This will show your potential employer that you can handle supplier relationships effectively.
✨Familiarise Yourself with ERP Systems
Since the role requires confident use of ERP systems, make sure you can talk about your experience with them. If you’ve used specific systems before, mention them and be prepared to discuss how you utilised these tools to streamline purchasing processes.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This position involves working closely with various stakeholders. Be ready to share examples of how you've built productive relationships in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve collaborated with others to achieve common goals.
