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- Tasks: Manage purchasing processes and supplier relationships to ensure smooth production flow.
- Company: Dynamic manufacturing company focused on continuous improvement and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, stable work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cost control and production efficiency in a key role.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or supply chain within manufacturing is essential.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and contribute to exciting business improvement projects.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 37000 £ per year.
Are you a commercially minded Purchasing / Buying Specialist who thrives in a manufacturing environment where supplier performance, material flow and cost control really matter? We’re looking for a proactive, hands-on Purchasing Specialist to work closely with our clients Manufacturing Manager and play a critical role in ensuring materials, parts and sub-assemblies are sourced, controlled and delivered to support efficient, on-time production.
This is a key position within our clients operation, offering real ownership of supplier relationships, material planning and continuous improvement activity.
The Role
As Purchasing Specialist, you’ll take responsibility for the end-to-end purchasing and materials management process, ensuring supply continuity, cost control and operational excellence across the factory. You will:
- Identify, assess and onboard new suppliers in line with defined procedures
- Manage preferred suppliers, driving performance, quality and cost improvement
- Lead supplier engagement in continuous improvement and cost reduction initiatives
- Coordinate supplier first article and first production sample approvals
- Raise and manage quotations, purchase orders and call-offs for materials, parts and sub-assemblies
- Use the MRP system to forecast demand, control inventory and maintain optimal stock levels
- Oversee goods receipt, identification, storage and material presentation to production lines
- Investigate and resolve purchase ledger and invoice queries promptly
- Control stock accuracy across raw materials, WIP and finished goods, including month-end counts and reconciliations
- Manage non-conforming materials, supplier returns and system updates
- Control supplier costs, identify savings and communicate lead-time or cost risks clearly
What We’re Looking For
- Strong experience in purchasing, materials management or supply chain within a manufacturing environment
- Solid understanding of modern purchasing, supplier development and materials planning principles
- Commercially aware with the confidence to negotiate and challenge suppliers
- Comfortable working with MRP / ERP systems and inventory control processes
- A clear communicator who can work effectively across production, quality, finance and logistics
- A practical problem-solver with a continuous improvement mindset
- Organised, resilient and able to manage multiple priorities under pressure
Leadership & Working Style
- Fair, consistent and professional when dealing with conflict or performance issues
- Listens to operational teams and values shop-floor insight
- Builds trust and positive working relationships
- Plans and prioritises work effectively to meet production and business targets
- Supports colleagues through clear communication and on-the-job guidance
Why Join Them?
- A role with genuine influence on cost, delivery and production performance
- Close collaboration with manufacturing leadership
- Opportunity to drive supplier improvement and lean initiatives
- Stable, structured manufacturing environment with clear processes
- Chance to contribute directly to business improvement projects and measurable KPIs
To be considered for this position, please send us your CV ASAP by applying to this advert.
Purchasing Specialist employer: YG Engineering Ltd
Contact Detail:
YG Engineering Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. 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 suppliers. Show them you understand their business and how you can contribute to their purchasing goals. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you email. It’s a simple gesture that shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t just apply through job boards; head over to our website and submit your application directly. It shows initiative and gives you a better chance of standing out from the crowd!
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Purchasing Specialist role. Highlight your experience in purchasing, materials management, and any relevant achievements that showcase your skills in a manufacturing environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven supplier performance or managed costs effectively in previous positions.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your familiarity with MRP/ERP systems and your problem-solving abilities. We want to see how you can contribute to our continuous improvement initiatives!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at YG Engineering Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Purchasing Specialist, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of cost control and supplier performance. Brush up on key metrics related to purchasing and materials management, and be ready to discuss how you've used these in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is a big part of this role. Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led, focusing on how you achieved cost savings or improved supplier relationships. This will show your potential employer that you're confident and capable.
✨Familiarise Yourself with MRP/ERP Systems
Since the job involves working with MRP/ERP systems, make sure you can talk about your experience with these tools. If you’ve used specific software, mention it and explain how it helped you manage inventory and forecast demand effectively.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
This role requires a mindset geared towards continuous improvement. Be prepared to discuss initiatives you've led or participated in that resulted in better processes or cost reductions. Highlighting your proactive approach will resonate well with the interviewers.
