Purchasing Manager

The Talent Division; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Excellent benefits

Hybrid working after probation

Investors in People Platinum

Job summary

The Talent Division is recruiting a Purchasing Manager in Ipswich to lead a core Purchasing team and shape strategy for continual supply across the business. You will manage supplier relationships, stock levels, and import procedures while collaborating with Logistics, Sales and Product Management to ensure optimal stock at the right time.

This leadership role requires a proactive, analytical professional with strong people management skills and experience in ERP systems.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a Purchasing or Procurement team.
• Strong people management skills.
• Experience managing supplier relationships, purchasing operations and stock control.
• Knowledge of import procedures and logistics coordination.
• Strong analytical skills with data interpretation.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Proactive, solutions-focused approach.
• Advanced Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Experience with ERP systems or purchasing software advantageous.
• Collaborative leadership with continuous improvement focus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Purchasing team in a collaborative, high-performing environment.
• Manage supplier relationships, performance, and ongoing development.
• Oversee purchasing operations, stock management and import procedures.
• Collaborate with Logistics to optimise stock levels and deliveries.
• Monitor inventory and analyse stock trends to meet demand.
• Develop purchasing strategy aligned with business objectives and growth.
• Identify process improvements across the Purchasing function.
• Produce reports and provide management information for decisions.
• Support ERP systems and purchasing software enhancements.
• Work with Sales and Product Management to ensure service excellence.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Data analysis

ERP systems

Excel

Stock management

Procurement

Tools

ERP software

Purchasing software

Job description

Purchasing Manager

Ipswich, Suffolk

£50,000 + 10% Bonus and + Excellent Benefits

Full Time, Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm

Permanent with hybrid working following probation

The Opportunity

Some Purchasing roles are about placing orders.

This one is about leading people, shaping strategy and ensuring an entire business continues to operate efficiently.

We're delighted to be supporting our client, a highly respected market-leading manufacturer, in their search for a Purchasing Manager to join their Operations team.

This is a pivotal leadership role where you'll be responsible for managing and developing the Purchasing function, leading an established team, overseeing supplier relationships, stock management and import processes, whilst ensuring purchasing strategy supports the wider business objectives.

Working closely with Logistics, Sales, Product Management and senior leadership, you'll play a key role in ensuring the right products are in the right place at the right time, while continuously improving systems, processes and supplier performance.

If you're an experienced Purchasing professional who enjoys leading people, improving processes and making a genuine impact, this is an exceptional opportunity to join a business where people, culture and long-term careers really matter.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading, developing and supporting the Purchasing team, creating a positive, collaborative and high-performing environment.
• Managing supplier relationships, supplier performance and ongoing supplier development.
• Overseeing purchasing operations, stock management and import procedures to ensure continuity of supply.
• Working closely with the Logistics team to optimise stock levels, warehouse capacity and incoming deliveries.
• Monitoring inventory, analysing stock trends and responding proactively to changing business demands.
• Developing purchasing strategy to support wider business objectives and future growth.
• Identifying opportunities to improve processes, systems and efficiencies across the Purchasing function.
• Producing reports, analysing data and providing meaningful management information to support business decisions.
• Supporting the ongoing development of ERP systems, purchasing software and departmental processes.
• Collaborating closely with Sales, Product Management and the wider business to ensure exceptional customer service and operational performance.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience leading a Purchasing or Procurement team.
• Strong people management skills with the ability to coach, motivate and develop others.
• Experience managing supplier relationships, purchasing operations and stock control.
• Knowledge of import procedures and logistics coordination.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
• Experience of ERP systems or purchasing software would be highly advantageous.
• A collaborative leadership style with a genuine passion for continuous improvement.

The Rewards & Benefits

• Competitive salary and bonus.
• Excellent benefits package.
• Hybrid working following successful completion of probation.
• The opportunity to join an Investors in People Platinum accredited organisation.
• Genuine career development and progression opportunities.
• A collaborative, supportive and people-focused culture.
• The opportunity to make a real impact within a successful international business.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

The Talent Division is committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to succeed.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe diverse teams make stronger organisations and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we'll be happy to support you