Purchasing Manager

Universal Business Team; Colchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing SME in the automotive sector seeks an experienced Purchasing Manager to oversee procurement and drive strategic initiatives. You will manage day-to-day purchasing, ensure timely delivery of materials, and develop cost-saving strategies. The ideal candidate has a background in industrial or automotive sectors and has demonstrated success in supplier relationship management. This role offers a salary of £45,000 - £50,000 and a profit share bonus scheme, providing real opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

Profit share bonus scheme

Opportunity for career progression

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Purchasing Manager or in a senior procurement role.
• Ability to manage purchasing while implementing strategic improvements.
• Self-starter with initiative to lead the function independently.
• Track record of delivering savings and improving supplier performance.
• Strong commercial awareness with excellent negotiation skills.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and procurement software.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day purchasing administration.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies for cost savings.
• Collaborate with teams to align purchasing with operational needs.
• Monitor supplier performance and drive improvements.
• Introduce best practices and innovations in procurement.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Supplier relationship management

Commercial awareness

Tools

ERP systems

Procurement software

Job description

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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.

IND25