You will be heading up an existing team with your key personal area of responsibility being to Develop new suppliers to achieve cost reduction whilst maintaining quality, ensuring timely and cost-effective procurement of goods and services. 

Working within the fast-moving Aerospace industry you will need to come from an Engineering/manufacturing background and used to dealing with Global suppliers.  We are looking for someone to lead our exiting team with strong negotiation skills, a keen eye for detail and a solid understanding of supply chain management.  As Purchasing Manager, you will be responsible for the procurement process within the organisation. The role involves developing purchasing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring that all procurement activities align with the company’s goals and budgetary constraints.

Based out of Stoke on Trent Head office Monday to Friday, with some Domestic and International travel.  Unless the successful candidate felt the role required more face to face with suppliers, we would expect the travel to be c. one day or so per month within the UK and three or four international trips (for three or four days per trip) per year.  

• Strategic Planning:

• Develop and implement procurement strategies that align with overall business objectives.
• Analyse market trends and supplier performance to make informed purchasing decisions.
• Stock level management.

• Supplier Management:

•  Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, establishing relationships to ensure the best quality and pricing.
• Development of new suppliers to achieve cost reduction.
• Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing with suppliers to optimise value and minimise costs.
• Monitor supplier performance and compliance with contractual obligations.
• Supplier auditing inc. visits to suppliers domestically and occasionally internationally.
• Expediting of suppliers to ensure production schedule is met.

• Procurement Operations:

• Oversee the purchasing process from requisition to delivery, ensuring timely and cost-effective procurement of goods and services.
• Maintain accurate records of purchases, pricing, and inventory levels in procurement systems.
•  Collaborate with internal departments to understand their purchasing needs and ensure satisfaction.

• Budget Management:

• Develop and manage the procurement budget, ensuring that spending aligns with strategic priorities.
•  Conduct cost analysis and report on cost-saving initiatives.

Team Leadership:

• Lead and mentor the purchasing team, fostering a collaborative environment focused on achieving departmental goals.

 Provide training and development opportunities for team members to enhance skills and performance.

• Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, company policies, and ethical standards in all procurement activities.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with the supply chain and procurement processes.

Reporting and Analysis:

• Prepare regular reports on purchasing activities, supplier performance, and market trends for senior management.
•  Use data analysis to improve purchasing strategies and operational efficiency.

• Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• 5 years of experience in purchasing or procurement, with a focus on manufacturing / aerospace industry.
• Very strong negotiation and communication skills.
•  Proficiency in procurement software and Microsoft Office Suite.
•  Knowledge of supply chain management principles and practices.

• Preferred Skills:

• Experience in managing a team and driving performance improvements.
• Experience of industrial components or mechanical engineering background an advantage.
• ▪understanding of engineering drawings an advantage.

For a confidential discussion and more information please forward your CV and we will organise a time to call (day or evening)  to suit you.