Senior Purchasing Manager

ZipRecruiter; Manchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment platform is seeking a Sr. Purchasing Manager to oversee multiple purchasing teams and develop strategies aligned with business goals. The role requires strong leadership and significant purchasing experience to drive improvements in delivery, lead-time, and cost. Ideal candidates will have a BS/BA in Supply Chain Management, and proficiency in Microsoft Office and SAP is essential. Opportunities for growth and travel exist in this dynamic role.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of purchasing experience with 5+ years management experience.
• 3+ years of experience in leadership or team management role.
• Willingness to travel as needed (approx. 20%).

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a purchasing strategy aligned with the business.
• Drive improvements in on-time delivery, lead-time, and cost.
• Analyze market conditions to assess material availability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage supply risk.

Skills

Purchasing strategy development

Team leadership

Supplier performance improvement

Microsoft Office proficiency

SAP knowledge

Education

BS/BA in Supply Chain Management or Equivalent

Master’s degree

APICS/ASCM Certification

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Overview

The Sr. Purchasing Manager will oversee multiple teams of purchasing professionals supporting the Industrial Strategic Business Units across multiple businesses and physical locations. The purchasing team specializes in the acquisition of both direct materials. Works with business partners to develop and implement purchasing strategies that align with business goals and objectives, including cash flow, inventory, lead time, and on time delivery. This individual will establish a team and guides team members to achieving organizational and performance goals. They will develop and implement processes, best practices, and automation for the team in support of business goals and objectives. The Sr. Purchasing Manager will also manage staffing and 3rd party purchasing strategies for the organization.

A Day In The Life

• Develop and execute a purchasing strategy aligned with the Light Industrial SBU strategy, focusing on raw materials, components, indirect materials, resale products, and services.
• Drive significant improvements in on-time delivery, lead-time, and cost.
• Analyze market conditions to assess current and future material availability.
• Collaborate across functions to use predictive tools for managing supply risk and disruptions.
• Inform stakeholders about critical purchasing issues that could affect the business.
• Create and implement plans to mitigate or eliminate risks.
• Lead regular reviews on strategy deployment and KPIs for the purchasing team, emphasizing the urgency of strategic priorities.
• Present periodic updates on plans, results, and progress regarding strategy deployment and KPIs, and take decisive actions to improve on-time delivery, lead-time, and cost.
• Work with leaders across functions to integrate supply chain activities with manufacturing, sales, marketing, design, and engineering.
• Continuously identify and implement industry best practices.
• Provide recommendations for supplier performance improvements and development.
• Initiate process enhancements to streamline workflows and solve problems.
• Ensure all new supplier programs/materials are designed to meet customer needs promptly and without disruption.
• Collaborate with various functional areas to ensure approval of alternative products and solutions.

What will help you thrive in this role?

• BS/BA in Supply Chain Management or Equivalent
• 7+ years of purchasing experience with 5+ years management experience.
• 3+ years of experience in leadership or team management role
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Word, & Outlook)
• SAP Experience
• Willingness to travel as needed (approx. 20%)

Qualifications

• Master’s degree
• APICS/ASCM Certification or other related purchasing certification