Purchasing Manager

Michael Page; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Page is partnering with a leading heavy engineering manufacturer in Rochdale to recruit a Purchasing Manager who will own strategic and operational procurement across the site, ensuring cost-effective, resilient supply of engineered components, raw materials and services.

The role leads supplier negotiations, CapEx support, lean procurement initiatives, and cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, QA, Operations and Finance, while ensuring UK compliance and developing the site

Qualifications

• Heavy industry procurement experience is required.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Experience managing international supply chains.

Responsibilities

• Formulate procurement strategy aligned with site metrics and commercial objectives.
• Oversee site purchasing budget and working capital.
• Manage CapEx projects with engineering teams.
• Lead ITT/RFP processes for high-value contracts.
• Negotiate terms, SLAs, and pricing structures.
• Ensure compliance with UK regulations and governance.
• Develop purchasing team through mentorship and training.
• Collaborate with Engineering, QA, Operations and Finance.
• Support HSE compliance across the supply base.

Skills

Global sourcing

Contract negotiations

Team leadership

Data analytics

Supplier KPI tracking

Education

MCIPS / CIPS certification

Engineering degree or HNC/HND

Tools

SAP ERP

Job description

Purchasing Manager role based in Rochdale. Working for a well established manufacturing company

Client Details

Our client is a leading industrial manufacturing company based in Rochdale

Description

The Purchasing Manager holds strategic and operational accountability for all procurement activity across the site. This critical role ensures the seamless, cost effective, and resilient supply of complex engineered components, raw materials, and secondary services. The successful candidate will modernise procurement workflows, mitigate supply chain risks, lead high-value contract negotiations, and cultivate strategic supplier partnerships to support heavy engineering operations.

Strategic Procurement & Commercial Management

Formulate Strategy: Design and execute robust procurement strategies aligned with localized site metrics and overarching commercial objectives.

Financial Accountability: Oversee the site's comprehensive purchasing budget, monitoring expenditure and variances to preserve healthy working capital.

Capital Expenditure (CapEx): Partner closely with project engineering teams to facilitate capital expenditure projects, managing heavy machinery and asset acquisition from specification to deployment.

Continuous Improvement: Spearhead lean procurement initiatives and total cost of ownership (TCO) reductions across the buying function.

Sourcing, Tendering & Contract Management

Tender Management: Lead complete Invitation to Tender (ITT) and Request for Proposal (RFP) processes for high-value engineering contracts.

Contract Negotiation: Conduct complex commercial and legal negotiations to secure favorable terms, SLAs, and pricing structures.

Risk & Compliance: Maintain absolute compliance with local UK legal regulations, contractual obligations, and corporate governance protocols.

Supply Chain Resilience: Conduct rigorous selection, auditing, and performance mapping of global and domestic heavy engineering suppliers.

Team Leadership & Stakeholder Collaboration

Team Development: Provide direct leadership, mentorship, and technical training to the site purchasing team, fostering a high-performance culture.

Cross-Functional Synergy: Collaborate with internal departments-including Engineering, Quality Assurance, Operations, and Finance-to guarantee material availability.

EHS Commitment: Actively support and enforce absolute adherence to statutory Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) legislation across the supply base.

Profile

Professional Experience

Heavy Industry Expertise: Proven track record of procurement success within a heavy engineering, bespoke manufacturing, or heavy machinery environment.

You wuill manage the purchasing department team so strong people and leadership skills are seesntial

International Sourcing: Demonstrated experience managing complex global supply chains, including occasional overseas travel for supplier validation and Group alignment.

Qualifications & Technical Skills

Professional Certification: Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (MCIPS / CIPS) qualification or equivalent professional standard / experience

Engineering Background: Formal engineering qualification (HNC/HND/Degree) or equivalent deep technical aptitude to read engineering drawings and understand fabrications.

ERP Proficiency: Advanced literacy in modern MRP/ERP frameworks, with a strong preference for SAP environments.

Data Literacy: High level of IT literacy, utilizing data analytics to drive supplier KPI tracking and cost-saving metrics.

Job Offer

Excellent salary, bonus and benefits package