Purchasing Manager

Computerworld Personnel Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturer in the UK is looking for a Purchasing Manager to oversee the purchasing process from raw materials to subcontracted services. This role requires strong negotiation and supplier management skills, along with a proven track record in a manufacturing environment, particularly in sectors like metal fabrication. The successful applicant will enhance procurement systems and ensure compliance with quality standards. The position offers a starting salary of £38,000 to £45,000 along with opportunities for technical advancement, and enhanced pension contributions.

Benefits

Starting salary £38,000 to £45,000

Opportunities for technical advancement

Enhanced pension contribution

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Purchasing Manager or Senior Buyer in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of steel, hardware, coatings and related supply chains.
• Experience in managing a team of direct reports.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end purchasing process for materials used in production.
• Negotiate supplier contracts to secure the best value.
• Monitor material availability and resolve supply chain disruptions.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Supplier relationship management

Analytical mindset

Strong communication skills

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Excel

Job description

Purchasing Manager

Cardiff

£38'000 to £45'000

A well-established and successful manufacturer, this company is recognised as the market-leading brand within the industry and has a reputation for quality and innovation that is supported by its excellent technical team.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end purchasing process for raw materials, components, and subcontracted services related to steel, hardware, glazing, and finishing materials used in production.
• Identify, evaluate, and develop a reliable supply base that supports the company's manufacturing and growth requirements.
• Negotiate supplier contracts, terms, and pricing to secure best value without compromising on quality, delivery performance, or sustainability.
• Monitor material availability and proactively resolve any supply chain disruptions to prevent production delays.
• Ensure accurate forecasting and ordering aligned with production schedules and inventory management targets.
• Evaluate, qualify, and onboard new suppliers in line with quality, sustainability, and compliance standards.
• Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and manage any non-conformance issues or corrective actions.
• Foster strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers to encourage innovation, reliability, and long-term partnerships.
• Ensure all purchasing activities comply with company policies, ISO standards, and relevant legislation.
• Lead initiatives to enhance procurement systems, processes, and ERP integration for improved efficiency and transparency.
• Work closely with production, design, and R&D teams to align material specifications with performance, cost, and availability objectives across all sites.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Proven experience as a Purchasing Manager or Senior Buyer within a manufacturing environment, preferably in metal fabrication, joinery, or similar sectors.
• Strong knowledge of steel, hardware, coatings, and related supply chains.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and supplier relationship management skills.
• Analytical and strategic mindset with a focus on cost control and continuous process improvement.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems, with strong Excel and reporting capabilities.
• Sound understanding of quality standards (ISO 9001) and regulatory compliance in manufacturing.
• Demonstrated experience managing a small team of direct reports.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.

Benefits Package

• A starting salary between £38'000 to £45'000
• Opportunities for technical advancement
• Enhanced pension contribution

Please note as we receive a high level of applications we can only respond to applicants whose skills & qualifications are suitable for this position. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010.

For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.