Strategic Purchasing Manager – Manufacturing

Lucy Group; Essex; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Blakley Electrics is seeking a Procurement & Sourcing Leader to head the purchasing and supplier management function for its UK operations, including Harlow and Crayford sites. You will oversee an annual £7m spend across materials, components and subcontract services.

You will manage day-to-day purchasing, ensure supply continuity, optimise inventory, and drive supplier performance with internal stakeholders to meet production needs.

Qualifications

• Significant purchasing/ procurement experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and supplier performance.
• Understanding of MRP-driven purchasing and inventory management principles.
• Experience using ERP systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong negotiation and commercial skills.
• Experience supervising, mentoring or managing team members.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead purchasing and supplier management across sites.
• Develop and manage one Buyer; reports to Operations Director.
• Ensure continuity of supply, inventory optimisation and supplier performance.
• Drive continuous improvement, cost reduction and sustainability initiatives.
• Maintain data integrity in ERP and generate metrics.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Quality and Sales.

Skills

Significant purchasing experience

Supplier relationship management

MRP/purchasing principles

ERP systems experience

Negotiation skills

Leadership/people management

Analytical skills

Excel (Advanced)

Education

CIPS qualification or working towards

Tools

Epicor ERP

Excel

Job description

Blakley Electrics is seeking a Procurement & Sourcing Leader to head the purchasing and supplier management function for its UK operations, including Harlow and Crayford sites. You will oversee an annual £7m spend across materials, components and subcontract services.

You will manage day-to-day purchasing, ensure supply continuity, optimise inventory, and drive supplier performance with internal stakeholders to meet production needs.