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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead purchasing operations and develop supplier relationships in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Established engineering manufacturer known for quality and employee investment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive leadership, and long-term career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a stable, growing company while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or procurement, preferably in manufacturing.
- Other info: Hands-on role with a focus on continuous improvement and team development.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ per year.
Operational Purchasing Manager
Wolverhampton (site-based, with travel to Midlands sites)
£55,000 - £60,000 + Benefits
Manufacturing / Engineering
The Opportunity
We are partnering with a well-established, multi-site engineering manufacturer based in the Midlands, known for quality, stability, and long-term investment in its people and operations. As the business continues to strengthen its supply chain capability, they are looking to appoint an Operational Purchasing Manager to play a key role in supporting performance and future growth.
This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys being close to day-to-day purchasing activity while also improving processes, developing teams, and building strong supplier relationships. The business offers a supportive, professional environment with genuine scope to develop and progress.
The Role
Reporting into senior leadership, you will be responsible for operational purchasing, supplier performance, and inbound supply activities across multiple sites, ensuring materials and services are delivered on time, to specification, and at optimal cost.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and developing Purchasing and Goods Inwards teams
- Owning day-to-day purchasing activity, supplier communication, and delivery performance
- Managing MRP-driven requirements to support production and customer demand
- Overseeing stock control, inbound logistics, and inventory optimisation
- Monitoring KPIs and driving continuous improvement
- Working with internal systems teams to improve processes and ways of working
Supplier & Sourcing Focus
- Managing supplier performance across quality, cost, and delivery
- Supporting cost control, savings initiatives, and risk mitigation
- Leading sourcing activity for new products and components
- Working closely with Engineering and Commercial teams
- Negotiating and managing supplier agreements
About You
- Proven experience in an operational purchasing or procurement management role
- Background within a manufacturing or engineering environment
- Strong working knowledge of MRP systems and supplier management
- Confident, pragmatic communicator with strong negotiation skills
- Comfortable balancing hands-on delivery with leadership and improvement activity
Qualifications
- Degree-level qualification preferred
- CIPS qualification advantageous
Why Apply?
- Salary £55,000 - £60,000 + benefits
- A visible, influential role within a stable, growing manufacturing business
- Supportive leadership and a positive, professional working environment
- Opportunity to develop capability, improve systems, and shape the role
- Long-term career prospects within an engineering-led organisation
Purchasing Manager employer: W Talent
Contact Detail:
W Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing and engineering sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company thoroughly. Understand their supply chain processes and recent projects. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role of Operational Purchasing Manager.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Purchasing Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong negotiation abilities. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen your skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications!
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Operational Purchasing Manager. Highlight your experience in operational purchasing, supplier management, and any relevant achievements in manufacturing or engineering. We want to see how you can bring value to our 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 this role. Mention specific examples of how you've led teams, improved processes, or built strong supplier relationships. Let us know what excites you about joining StudySmarter!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your negotiation skills and MRP system knowledge. These are key for the Purchasing Manager role. We love seeing candidates who can balance hands-on delivery with leadership, so make sure to mention any relevant experiences!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at W Talent
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Purchasing Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of key metrics. Brush up on your knowledge of KPIs related to supplier performance, cost savings, and inventory optimisation. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics in past roles to drive improvements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role involves leading teams, so it's crucial to convey your leadership approach. Prepare examples of how you've developed teams or improved processes in previous positions. Highlight your ability to balance hands-on tasks with strategic oversight.
✨Supplier Relationships Matter
Strong supplier relationships are key in this role. Think of specific instances where you've successfully negotiated agreements or resolved conflicts with suppliers. Be prepared to discuss your strategies for maintaining quality and delivery performance.
✨Be Ready to Discuss MRP Systems
Since the job requires a strong working knowledge of MRP systems, make sure you can talk about your experience with them. Prepare to explain how you've managed MRP-driven requirements in the past and how it has supported production and customer demand.
