Senior Purchasing & Planning Manager

Terry Parris Associates; Hailsham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Terry Parris Associates is seeking an experienced Purchasing & Planning Manager for a leadership role near Hailsham, East Sussex. You will head purchasing, production planning and scheduling, driving process improvements and ensuring high delivery performance across customers and suppliers.

The role requires a strong background in low-batch, high-complexity manufacturing, with proven leadership and commercial acumen to operate in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in purchasing and production planning.
• At least 5 years' experience in a leadership or management position.
• Proven track record in production planning and purchasing.
• Experience managing and developing a team.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, supply chains and scheduling.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Structured approach to planning, prioritisation and delivery.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to make informed operational decisions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• High-energy, resilient and results-driven approach.
• Ability to adapt quickly and thrive within a growing organisation.
• Experience across advanced manufacturing technologies desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and motivate a multi-disciplinary team of four.
• Create a culture of ownership, accountability, transparency and operational excellence.
• Drive and maintain 95%+ On-Time Delivery to customers.
• Drive and maintain 95%+ On-Time Delivery from suppliers.
• Lead production planning, purchasing and scheduling activities.
• Develop scalable processes and systems to support business growth.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and implement practical solutions.
• Review and introduce best practices to improve efficiency and performance.
• Work closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, Finance and Sales to ensure strong operational alignment.
• Provide commercial and operational insight to support wider business strategy and decision-making.
• Manage priorities effectively within a fast-moving, high-growth manufacturing environment.
• Attend customer meetings, site visits and industry events where required.

Skills

Purchasing

Production planning

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Commercial awareness

Communication

Team management

Education

Degree educated

Job description

Terry Parris Associates is seeking an experienced Purchasing & Planning Manager for a leadership role near Hailsham, East Sussex. You will head purchasing, production planning and scheduling, driving process improvements and ensuring high delivery performance across customers and suppliers.

The role requires a strong background in low-batch, high-complexity manufacturing, with proven leadership and commercial acumen to operate in a fast-paced environment.