Purchasing Manager

Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd; Royal Tunbridge Wells; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company seeks a Purchasing Manager to oversee procurement processes and supplier management. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in manufacturing, excellent negotiation skills, and a proactive approach to cost management. Join a supportive team with potential for significant impact and advancement opportunities.

Benefits

Opportunity for progression to Director level

Supportive team environment

Competitive salary

Qualifications

• Experienced purchasing professional with a technical manufacturing or engineering background.
• Proficient in managing overseas suppliers and achieving cost savings.
• Strong negotiation skills with a reliable work history and an ambitious mindset.

Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing and procurement of materials and supplier relationships.
• Drive cost reductions while maintaining quality and efficiency.
• Analyze data for decision-making and monitor supplier performance.

Skills

Negotiation

Technical Understanding

Cost Management

Data Analysis

Attention to Detail

Excel Skills

Job description

Purchasing Manager

Monday to Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm (5 days on site)

Salary: GBP40k-60k (negotiable, dependent on experience & skill set) + benefits

Pearson Whiffin Recruitment is pleased to collaborate with an established manufacturing business in West Kent to find a commercially minded purchasing professional.

This role is suitable for an ambitious self-starter with a strong technical background, ideally with experience in manufacturing or engineering SMEs within fields such as metal fabrication, automotive, building materials, or construction manufacturing focused on metalworks.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing daily purchasing and procurement of materials, inventory, and supplier relationships
• Interpreting technical drawings and specifications
• Driving cost reductions while maintaining quality and reliability through effective relationships, research, and negotiation
• Collaborating within a small team with growth potential
• Building strong relationships with raw material and component suppliers locally and internationally
• Focusing on real-time demand, lean purchasing, manufacturing, and delivery to reduce customer lead times and enhance quality
• Managing stock purchasing and inventory control
• Developing and optimizing ERP systems for seamless processes
• Data analysis, reporting, and market research to inform decision-making
• Monitoring supplier performance in accordance with ISO 9001 standards
• Cost management and savings initiatives
• Managing freight and logistics costs
• Identifying and mitigating risks proactively
• Problem-solving and administrative tasks such as raising purchase orders and maintaining pricing records

Candidate requirements:

• Experienced purchasing professional or buyer with a technical manufacturing or engineering background (e.g., sheet metal, automotive, fabrication, HVAC)
• Experience in managing overseas suppliers for efficient lead times and cost savings
• Strong technical understanding
• Energetic, proactive personality
• Commercial acumen with demonstrated cost-saving achievements
• Excellent Excel skills
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Confident negotiation skills, diplomatic approach
• Reliable work history
• Ambitious with a long-term impact mindset
• Values-driven
• Ability to work on-site five days a week without hybrid options

What’s in it for you?

• Join a reputable, established company
• Opportunity to make a significant impact and grow
• Competitive salary
• Supportive, collaborative team environment
• Potential for progression to Director level for the right candidate

If you meet the criteria, please apply online for immediate consideration!

This role is managed by Emily Powell, Associate Director at Pearson Whiffin Recruitment

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