Global Sourcing Leader – International Suppliers & Growth

Aspion Search; England; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare cash plan

Death in service

Pension

31 days holiday

Christmas shutdown

International travel

Senior level responsibility

Career progression

Global supplier network

Job summary

Aspion Search is assisting a UK engineering manufacturer in recruiting a Purchasing Manager to own international sourcing, with a focus on China and Asia, driving supplier development and cost efficiency.

The role requires a technical engineering background, senior procurement experience, and the ability to build a global supplier network while collaborating with regional teams and senior leadership. Office-based with travel.

Qualifications

• HNC/HND or degree in engineering or technical discipline.
• Mechanical engineering background with knowledge of machined components.
• At least 7 years' experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain or commodity management.
• Experience with machine shops, precision engineering or machined components.
• Experience sourcing precision machined or complex engineered components.
• Understanding of machining processes and supplier pricing.
• Experience developing and managing international supplier bases.
• Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills.
• Knowledge of metals and technical standards.
• ERP experience (SAP or Oracle) is advantageous.
• CIPS qualification would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement purchasing strategies across China and wider Asian markets.
• Identify, evaluate, audit and onboard new international suppliers.
• Identify and appoint high performing machine shops and manufacturing partners.
• Source precision machined components, engineered parts, forgings, castings and raw materials.
• Develop and manage relationships with subcontract precision engineering businesses.
• Lead commercial negotiations covering pricing, contracts and supplier terms.
• Analyse manufacturing costs and identify opportunities to reduce total acquisition costs.
• Ensure suppliers achieve required quality, specification and delivery standards.
• Develop and maintain long term relationships with key international suppliers.
• Work closely with Supplier & Quality Engineers based within Asia.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement improvements where required.
• Identify and mitigate supplier, commodity and wider supply chain risks.
• Monitor market trends and understand their impact on material and component costs.
• Balance supply and demand to maintain component availability.
• Resolve supplier disputes and commercial issues.
• Support inventory strategies to improve availability, cash flow and stock management.
• Visit international suppliers and vendors when required.
• Support the company's wider international growth strategy.
• Develop and potentially build a team as the international purchasing function continues to grow.

Skills

Purchasing

Negotiation

Cost reduction

Supply chain

Leadership

Analytical

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

SAP/Oracle ERP

Job description

Aspion Search is assisting a UK engineering manufacturer in recruiting a Purchasing Manager to own international sourcing, with a focus on China and Asia, driving supplier development and cost efficiency.

The role requires a technical engineering background, senior procurement experience, and the ability to build a global supplier network while collaborating with regional teams and senior leadership. Office-based with travel.