Purchasing Manager

Oliver Valves Ltd; Knutsford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Oliver Twinsafe Valves Ltd in Knutsford is seeking a Purchasing Manager to take full accountability for expanding into the Chinese market. You will manage a substantial portion of a £50m spend across two state-of-the-art facilities in Knutsford and Chennai, reporting to the Global Purchasing Director.

The role requires a mechanical engineering background, senior procurement experience, and a proven ability to lead supplier negotiations and align capacity with production plans.

Qualifications

• Mechanical engineering background essential.
• Proven track record in procurement and supplier management.
• Experience with global supply chains (China, Europe, India) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own commercial and technical aspects of the supplier network.
• Ensure components meet quality, cost and performance specs.
• Lead negotiations to improve margins and cost reductions.
• Coordinate supply with production and testing facilities.

Skills

Mechanical engineering background

Job description

Role: Purchasing Manager

Location: Knutsford, Parkgate Industrial Estate

Travel: Office based role with occasional travel to China

Technical Requirement: Mechanical Engineering background (essential)

About the Company

Oliver Twinsafe Valves Ltd is a leading UK manufacturer specialising in high-quality pipeline ball valves and double block and bleed valves. Established in 2000, we form part of the Oliver group alongside Oliver Valves Ltd and Oliver Valvetek Ltd.

We supply products to many of the world’s major Oil & Gas operators, as well as customers across the Petrochemical and Power industries. Our valves are used in critical applications worldwide, where safety, reliability and performance are essential, delivering maximum operator protection and a long, maintenance-free service life.

The Role

To strengthen our existing team, we are appointing a Purchasing Manager to take full accountability for our expansion into the Chinese market.

Reporting to the Global Purchasing Director, the successful candidate will manage a significant portion of a £50m spend in machine parts for our build programs in two state-of-the-art facilities in Knutsford and Chennai.

Key Responsibilities

Working in partnership with our China-based Supplier & Quality Development Engineer, you will take ownership of both the commercial and technical aspects of our supplier network, ensuring all components are delivered to the required standards for quality, cost and performance.

Your Priorities

• China Supply Chain Development: Identify, assess and develop high-performing third-party machining suppliers across China, creating a robust, reliable and scalable supply base to support future business requirements.
• Technical Procurement: Apply your mechanical engineering and manufacturing knowledge to manage technically complex machined components, ensuring suppliers fully understand and consistently achieve our specifications and quality standards.
• Cost & Commercial Management: Lead supplier negotiations and continuously challenge the total cost of acquisition, identifying opportunities to improve margins and deliver sustainable cost reductions without compromising quality or performance.
• Supply & Demand Optimisation: Align supplier capacity and component availability with production and build programmes, ensuring consistent and reliable supply to our assembly and testing facilities.

The Profile

Senior management experience in mechanical engineering and procurement, with a proven track record in China, Europe, and India.

Understanding of the machine shop environment—you know how parts are made, what they should cost, and how to spot a quality risk.

Common sense, enthusiasm, and a "win-win" negotiation style are essential.

The Reward

This is a key appointment for a person with drive and ambition.

• We offer a highly attractive salary and fringe benefits package.

Candidates must live within a one-hour commute of Knutsford.