Purchasing Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working after probation

Excellent benefits package

Investor in People Platinum accredited

Career development and progression

Collaborative, people-focused culture

Dynamic international business

Job summary

The Talent Division is recruiting a Purchasing Manager in Ipswich for a pivotal leadership role within the Operations team. You will lead and develop the Purchasing function, manage supplier relationships, stock control and import processes, and align purchasing with wider business objectives.

Working with Logistics, Sales and Product Management, you’ll ensure the right products are in the right place at the right time while driving process improvements and ERP enhancements.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a Purchasing or Procurement team.
• Strong people management and ability to coach and develop others.
• Experience managing supplier relationships, purchasing ops and stock control.
• Knowledge of import procedures and logistics coordination.
• Analytical skills to interpret data and find improvements.
• Excellent organisation and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proactive, solution-focused with strong problem solving.
• Advanced Excel and Microsoft Office; ERP/purchasing software experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and support the Purchasing team in a high-performing environment.
• Manage supplier relationships, performance and ongoing development.
• Oversee purchasing operations, stock management and imports for continuity.
• Collaborate with Logistics to optimise stock levels and deliveries.
• Monitor inventory, analyse stock trends and adapt to demand shifts.
• Develop purchasing strategy aligned with wider business goals.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and systems.
• Produce reports and provide management information for decisions.
• Support ERP systems and purchasing software improvements.
• Partner with Sales and Product Management to ensure great service.

Skills

People management

Leadership

Supplier relationships

Analytical skills

Organisational skills

Problem solving

Collaboration

Communication

Tools

ERP systems

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.