Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the purchasing function, manage orders, and develop procurement strategies.
- Company: Join a growing SME in Colchester focused on efficiency and performance.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, profit share, and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment while shaping procurement processes.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing management, strong negotiation skills, and familiarity with ERP systems required.
- Other info: Ideal for self-starters looking to grow within a dynamic team.
We are seeking a highly motivated Purchasing Manager for our client based in Colchester. You will take ownership of their procurement function and play a pivotal role in driving efficiency, value, and performance across the business. This is a standalone position that combines hands-on day-to-day purchasing with the opportunity to shape and implement strategic initiatives.
Please make an application promptly if you are a good match for this role due to high levels of interest.
The successful candidate will be a self-starter, confident in managing the full purchasing cycle—from administration and order processing through to supplier strategy and performance management.
Key Responsibilities
* Oversee and action day-to-day purchasing administration, including placing and chasing purchase orders (parts and services) to ensure smooth automotive style production process , managing returns, and maintaining accurate ERP data.
* Take full ownership of the purchasing function, ensuring materials and services are delivered on time, to cost, and to quality standards.
* Develop and implement procurement strategies that deliver measurable cost savings, efficiency improvements, and risk reduction.
* Conduct spend analysis and market research to identify opportunities for improvement.
* Build and manage strong supplier relationships to support long-term business objectives.
* Collaborate with Production, Engineering, and Operations teams to align purchasing activity with operational needs.
* Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
* Introduce best practices and innovation into procurement processes, including digital tools and automation.
* Ensure compliance with company policy, legal requirements, and ethical standards
Requirements
* Proven experience in a Purchasing Manager or senior procurement role within a fast-moving or growing business. An industrial, assembly or automotive background is ideal
* Demonstrated ability to manage purchasing administration while delivering strategic improvements.
* A self-starter with the drive and initiative to lead the function independently.
* Track record of delivering savings, improving supplier performance, and implementing effective procurement strategies.
* Strong commercial awareness with excellent negotiation and analytical skills.
* Hands-on, adaptable, and proactive approach—equally comfortable with strategy and day-to-day tasks.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
* Familiarity with ERP systems and procurement software.
* Professional qualifications (e.g., CIPS) desirable but not essential
Benefits
* Salary: £45,000 – £50,000 per annum
* Profit share bonus scheme
* A chance to own and develop the purchasing function in a growing SME business.
* A varied role with both operational and strategic responsibility.
* Real opportunity to progress within a rapidly growing organisation and eventually grow and lead a team.
* Supportive working environment where your impact will be visible and valued
Purchasing Manager employer: Universal Business Team
Contact Detail:
Universal Business Team Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in procurement and supply chain management. This will not only help you understand the industry better but also allow you to discuss innovative strategies during interviews, showcasing your proactive approach.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the purchasing and procurement field. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even refer you to opportunities within their organisations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and delivered cost savings in previous roles. Having concrete achievements ready will demonstrate your capability and confidence in handling the responsibilities of this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company thoroughly before your interview. Understand their products, market position, and any recent news. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in purchasing and procurement. Emphasise your achievements in managing supplier relationships, delivering cost savings, and implementing procurement strategies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your motivation for the role and how your skills align with the job requirements. Mention specific examples of your past successes in similar positions to demonstrate your capability.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as negotiation, analytical abilities, and familiarity with ERP systems. These are crucial for the Purchasing Manager role and should be clearly articulated.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: Discuss your experience in developing and implementing procurement strategies. Provide examples of how you have driven efficiency and value in previous roles, as this is a significant aspect of the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Universal Business Team
✨Showcase Your Procurement Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous roles in purchasing and procurement. Highlight specific examples where you successfully managed the full purchasing cycle, delivered cost savings, or improved supplier performance.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Since this role involves shaping and implementing procurement strategies, come equipped with ideas on how you would approach this. Discuss any past experiences where you developed strategies that led to measurable improvements.
✨Emphasise Relationship Management Skills
Strong supplier relationships are crucial for this position. Be ready to share examples of how you've built and maintained successful partnerships with suppliers, and how these relationships contributed to business objectives.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Familiarity with ERP systems and procurement software is important. Brush up on relevant tools and be ready to discuss how you've used technology to enhance procurement processes in your previous roles.
