Purchasing Manager

ASC Connections; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

ASC Connections Ltd is recruiting a Purchasing Manager for a leading UK manufacturing business in Birmingham. You will drive procurement strategy, manage a global supplier network and optimise supplier performance to ensure uninterrupted production.

You will negotiate contracts, terms and pricing while mentoring a high-performing team and collaborating with Production, Engineering and Finance. This senior role offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience leading purchasing in manufacturing, engineering or industrial production.
• Track record negotiating contracts, pricing, lead times and terms.
• Experience managing global suppliers, incl. international supply chains.
• Knowledge of supplier audits, QMS and cost reduction initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills and Excel proficiency for data-driven decisions.
• Familiarity with ISO quality standards, Incoterms and import/export processes.
• Towards a CIPS qualification is welcomed; equivalent experience valued.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement purchasing strategies aligned with business goals.
• Lead commercial negotiations including pricing, contracts and terms.
• Manage a global supplier base with key Far East suppliers.
• Monitor supplier performance; drive improvements in quality, delivery and cost.
• Conduct supplier audits and support corrective actions.
• Coordinate with Production, Engineering, Planning, Quality and Finance.
• Identify supply risks and implement mitigation plans.
• Lead and develop the purchasing team for continuous improvement.

Skills

Purchasing management

Supplier relationship management

Commercial negotiation

Cost reduction

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Excel

Education

CIPS qualification (or working towards)

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Purchasing Manager

Advanced Manufacturing

Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
Salary: Competitive + Excellent Benefits
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Reporting to: Supply Chain Director

Lead Purchasing for a Global Manufacturing Business

Are you an experienced Purchasing Manager with a background in engineering or manufacturing? Do you thrive on building strong supplier relationships, negotiating commercial agreements, and driving continuous improvement across the supply chain?

We're recruiting on behalf of a well-established, market-leading manufacturer based in Birmingham. With a strong international presence and a reputation for delivering high-quality engineered products, this business continues to invest in innovation, operational excellence, and long-term growth.

This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of the purchasing function, leading an experienced team while managing a global supplier network. You'll play a pivotal role in ensuring materials are sourced efficiently, supplier performance is optimised, and production operates without interruption.

The Role

As Purchasing Manager, you'll be responsible for developing and delivering procurement strategies that support business objectives, improve supplier performance, and maximise value across the supply chain.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and implementing purchasing strategies that support operational and commercial goals.
• Leading commercial negotiations covering pricing, contracts, payment terms, lead times and supplier agreements.
• Managing a global supplier base, including key suppliers across the Far East.
• Monitoring supplier performance and driving improvements in quality, delivery and cost.
• Conducting supplier audits and supporting corrective action programmes to maintain quality standards.
• Working closely with Production, Engineering, Planning, Quality and Finance to ensure purchasing activities align with manufacturing requirements.
• Identifying and mitigating supply chain risks, including supplier dependency, material shortages and cost fluctuations.
• Leading, mentoring and developing the purchasing team, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

About You

We're looking for an experienced procurement professional who combines strong commercial awareness with a hands‑on approach.

You’ll ideally have:

• Previous experience in a Purchasing Manager or Senior Procurement role within manufacturing, engineering or industrial production.
• Experience managing international suppliers, ideally including Far Eastern supply chains.
• A strong background in supplier relationship management, commercial negotiation and cost reduction.
• Experience carrying out supplier quality audits and resolving supplier performance issues.
• Good knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and strong analytical skills, including Microsoft Excel.
• An understanding of ISO quality standards, Incoterms, import/export processes and ethical sourcing.
• A CIPS qualification (or be working towards one), although equivalent industry experience will be equally valued.
• The flexibility to travel internationally when required to support supplier development or resolve operational issues.

What's in it for You?

• A senior leadership role within a successful and growing UK manufacturer.
• The opportunity to shape purchasing strategy and influence business performance.
• Responsibility for a diverse international supplier portfolio.
• International travel and exposure to global supply chain operations.
• A collaborative, supportive working environment where your expertise will make a genuine impact.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

If you're a commercially minded purchasing professional looking for your next leadership challenge within advanced manufacturing, we'd love to hear from you.

ASC Connections Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. We are committed to equal opportunity and diversity.