Strategic Purchasing Lead, Global China Supply Chain

WR Engineering; Knutsford; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

WR Engineering in Knutsford, UK, seeks a Purchasing Manager - Manufacturing to own a major international procurement strategy and build a world-class supplier network for a globally recognised manufacturer.

You will collaborate with the Global Purchasing Director and a Supplier & Quality Development Engineer in China to expand and strengthen the Chinese supply chain, ensuring quality, cost and delivery meet the highest standards.

Qualifications

• Senior procurement experience within mechanical engineering or manufacturing.
• Extensive sourcing and supplier management across China (Europe and India desirable).
• Solid understanding of machining, manufacturing processes and component costs.
• Strong commercial negotiation skills with a collaborative, long-term approach.
• Ability to influence suppliers and internal stakeholders at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Developing and managing strategic supplier relationships across China.
• Identifying and qualifying high-performing machine shops and raw material suppliers.
• Leading commercial negotiations to reduce costs while maintaining exceptional quality.
• Managing complex machined component procurement using your engineering knowledge.
• Ensuring materials are delivered on time to support manufacturing operations in the UK and overseas.
• Driving continuous improvement across cost, quality and supplier performance.

Skills

Senior procurement experience

Sourcing & supplier management (China)

Machining/manufacturing processes

Commercial negotiation skills

Stakeholder influence

Job description

WR Engineering in Knutsford, UK, seeks a Purchasing Manager - Manufacturing to own a major international procurement strategy and build a world-class supplier network for a globally recognised manufacturer.

You will collaborate with the Global Purchasing Director and a Supplier & Quality Development Engineer in China to expand and strengthen the Chinese supply chain, ensuring quality, cost and delivery meet the highest standards.