Purchasing Manager - Manufacturing

Vickerstock; Northern Ireland; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable heavy manufacturing company in Northern Ireland is seeking a Purchasing Manager to lead their team and ensure excellence in procurement functions. Responsibilities include managing supplier performance, inventory flow, and implementing effective supply chain strategies. The ideal candidate has 4 years of experience in a manufacturing/engineering environment and previous team management experience. This is a full-time permanent position.

Qualifications

• 4 years of recent experience in a manufacturing/engineering business.
• Previous experience managing a supply chain team.
• Experience implementing supply chain strategies with demonstrable improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and mentor the purchasing team.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Planning, and Stores teams.
• Establish performance metrics across procurement activities.
• Provide regular reporting on supplier performance and shortages.
• Oversee material flow for optimal inventory levels.
• Develop and implement commodity and supply chain strategies.
• Conduct regular stock takes and report discrepancies.
• Maintain transactional accuracy and develop supplier relationships.
• Conduct team appraisals and contribute to business planning.

Skills

Supplier performance management

Inventory management

Team leadership

Job description

Vickerstock are working in partnership with a reputable heavy manufacturingbusiness on the appointment of a Purchasing Manager on a full-time permanent basis.

As the Purchasing Manager, you will be responsible for managing and leading the performance of the entire team whilst also ensuring the team delivers excellence in regard to all functions including; materials planning and availability, supplier performance and elimination of shortages.

In your new role:

• Lead, manage, and mentor the purchasing team, fostering a positive team ethos..
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Planning, and Stores teams to ensure accuracy of Bills of Materials (BOMs), manage Engineering Change Notices (ECNs), and address any other business (AOB) requirements.
• Establish and maintain measurable performance metrics across all procurement activities, including (but not limited to) supplier performance, quality, internal order placement, buyer productivity, accounts payable (AP) performance, and material shortage resolution.
• Provide regular reporting to management on supplier performance, material shortages, and corrective actions.
• Oversee material flow to maintain optimal inventory levels that support on-time customer delivery while aligning with business inventory targets.
• Strategically develop and implement commodity and supply chain strategies across all commodities, services, and supplier processes globally to maximise value, leverage, and standardisation.
• Ensure regular stock takes are conducted and report any discrepancies to the Head of Supply Chain and Finance Manager.
• Maintain transactional accuracy by implementing supplier price change procedures, ensuring goods-in accuracy, and developing strong relationships with both existing and new suppliers.
• Conduct regular team appraisals, participate in management meetings, and contribute to the overall business planning process.

What you will need to succeed:

• 4 year's recent in a manufacturing/engineering business
• Previous experience managing or leading a supply chain team
• Experience implementing SC strategies which have led to demonstrable improvements

For a confidential conversation on how Vickerstock can help support you with your next move, get in touch with Michael Irwin today!