Purchasing Manager

Terry Parris Associates; England; On-site; GBP 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead procurement activities onsite in Tonbridge, Kent. This role involves managing a team, driving supplier performance, and ensuring effective sourcing of materials and services. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in procurement, be proficient with SAP, and possess strong negotiation and communication skills. This position offers a competitive salary and supports ongoing operational growth through effective supplier relationships.

Qualifications

• Strong experience as a Purchasing Manager or Procurement Lead.
• Confident with SAP, MRP processes and supplier management.
• Able to analyse procurement data and present findings.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing, procurement and supplier negotiation activities.
• Drive commercial improvements and logistics optimisation.
• Maintain and monitor supplier KPI performance.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Supplier management

Data analysis

Team leadership

Communication

Tools

SAP

MRP processes

Job description

Purchasing Manager

Tonbridge, Kent

GBP 50,000 per annum

35‑hour week (flexible start from 07:00)

Onsite only

The organisation is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead its procurement function and ensure materials, components and services are sourced, negotiated and delivered effectively. As the Purchasing Manager, you will manage the purchasing team, drive supplier performance, oversee SAP system accuracy, and help resolve supply chain risks. This new position has been created to strengthen stability following recent supplier issues while supporting ongoing operational growth.

The Purchasing Manager will work closely with production, planning, engineering and finance, taking a hands‑on approach to supply chain challenges and continuous improvement. You will develop strategies for cost control, logistics optimisation, supplier management and dual‑sourcing while providing clear leadership to the new Buying team.

As Purchasing Manager, you will shape long‑term procurement direction, improve supplier relationships, and play a major role in ensuring production schedules are protected.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing, procurement and supplier negotiation activity across all material categories
• Drive commercial improvements, cost‑down initiatives and logistics optimisation
• Maintain accurate SAP data to ensure robust MRP output
• Monitor supplier KPI performance and act on underperformance
• Support new product introduction and purchasing change management
• Attend internal planning, S&OP and production meetings
• Lead outsourcing opportunities and supplier audits
• Manage a growing team (Buyer and Senior Buyer) and support training on SAP
• Oversee materials planning accuracy and shortage resolution
• Support UK/EU supplier visits where required

About You

• Strong experience as a Purchasing Manager or Procurement Lead
• Confident with SAP (any version), MRP processes and supplier management
• Skilled negotiator with experience improving costs, terms and supplier performance
• Able to analyse procurement data and present findings to senior leadership
• Effective communicator able to work cross‑functionally with technical and production teams
• Comfortable leading a team and supporting their development

Not with standing the job purpose, duties and responsibilities included in this job description, the post holder must be prepared to undertake additional tasks, duties and responsibilities at the discretion of their Line Manager that fall within the objectives of the Company.

This job description reflects the present requirements of the post, and as duties and responsibilities change/develop, the job description will be reviewed and be subject to amendment in consultation with the post holder.

TPA Recruit is a specialist recruitment agency acting on behalf of our client to source and assess suitable candidates for this position. All applications will be reviewed and processed by our team, who will liaise directly with shortlisted individuals throughout the hiring process.