At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage international procurement strategy and develop supplier relationships in China.
- Company: Globally recognised manufacturer with a strong engineering focus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and a chance to influence a £50m supply chain.
- Other info: Opportunity for long-term growth within a successful international engineering business.
- Why this job: Take ownership of strategic sourcing and make a real impact in a key leadership role.
- Qualifications: Senior procurement experience in mechanical engineering and strong negotiation skills.
Salary: GBP50000 - GBP80000 per annum + + company benefits
Purchasing Manager
Are you an experienced Purchasing Manager with a strong mechanical engineering background and proven success sourcing from China?
This is an opportunity to take ownership of a major international procurement strategy, managing a significant engineering spend while developing a world-class supplier network for a globally recognised manufacturer.
Working closely with the Global Purchasing Director and an established Supplier & Quality Development Engineer based in China, you’ll play a pivotal role in expanding and strengthening the company's Chinese supply chain, ensuring quality, cost and delivery meet the highest standards.
What you'll be doing:
- Developing and managing strategic supplier relationships across China.
- Identifying and qualifying high-performing machine shops and raw material suppliers.
- Leading commercial negotiations to reduce costs while maintaining exceptional quality.
- Managing complex machined component procurement using your engineering knowledge.
- Ensuring materials are delivered on time to support manufacturing operations in the UK and overseas.
- Driving continuous improvement across cost, quality and supplier performance.
We’re looking for someone who has:
- Senior procurement experience within mechanical engineering or manufacturing.
- Extensive sourcing and supplier management experience across China (experience in Europe and India is also highly desirable).
- A solid understanding of machining, manufacturing processes and component costs.
- Strong commercial negotiation skills with a collaborative, long-term approach.
- The ability to influence suppliers and internal stakeholders at all levels.
What’s on offer?
- A highly competitive salary and benefits package.
- The opportunity to influence a £50m engineering supply chain.
- A key leadership position with genuine strategic impact.
- Long-term career progression within a successful international engineering business.
If you're an ambitious procurement professional who enjoys building global supplier partnerships and delivering commercial results, we'd love to hear from you.
Yes, I am currently eligible to work (work permit/visa/citizenship) in the country to which I am applying. No, I am not currently eligible to work (work permit/visa/citizenship) in the country to which I am applying.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Purchasing Manager in Knutsford employer: White Recruitment
Join a pioneering renewable energy company in Appleby-in-Westmorland, where your leadership as Operations Director will directly contribute to the UK's low-carbon heating transition. With a strong focus on employee development and a culture of continuous improvement, you will enjoy competitive benefits including a generous salary, car allowance, and significant influence over business strategy. This is not just a job; it's an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a rapidly growing sector dedicated to sustainability and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Manager in Knutsford
✨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 White Recruitment.
✨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 in Knutsford
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 White Recruitment:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to White Recruitment. 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 White Recruitment.
How to prepare for a job interview at White Recruitment
✨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 White Recruitment!
✨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 White Recruitment. 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 White Recruitment's culture.
