Purchasing Manager

UBT; Colchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing SME business in Colchester is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager. In this role, you will own the procurement function, ensuring timely delivery of materials, while implementing strategic initiatives for efficiency and value. You should have a proven track record in purchasing and procurement within a fast-paced environment, with strong negotiation and analytical skills. This position offers a salary range of £45,000 - £50,000 and opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

Profit share bonus scheme

Career progression opportunities

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Purchasing Manager or senior procurement role.
• Ability to manage purchasing administration while delivering strategic improvements.
• Hands-on, adaptable, and proactive approach.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day purchasing administration including placing orders.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies for cost savings.
• Monitor supplier performance and drive improvements.
• Introduce innovation into procurement processes.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Strong commercial awareness

Supplier performance management

ERP systems familiarity

Education

Professional qualifications (e.g., CIPS)

Tools

Procurement software

Job description

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.

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
  
  

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