Job Description:

Job Title: Purchasing Manager
Location: Huddersfield 
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 DOE + Bonus 

We are recruiting for a Purchasing Manager to join a well-established engineering and manufacturing business based in Elland. This is an excellent opportunity to lead the purchasing function, driving supplier performance, procurement strategy and inventory management across the UK operation.

Working closely with the Managing Director and Global Head of Procurement, you will play a key role in developing purchasing strategy, improving supply chain performance and supporting the integration of systems and processes across the wider group. This is a hands-on management position with responsibility for both the purchasing team and materials control function.

The Role

Reporting to the Managing Director and Global Head of Procurement, you will be responsible for managing all purchasing activity, supplier relationships and inventory control, ensuring the business achieves its commercial, operational and customer service objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing the Purchasing and Materials Control teams, providing day-to-day support, guidance and performance management.
• Managing supplier relationships to ensure quality, delivery and cost targets are consistently achieved.
• Identifying, evaluating and onboarding new suppliers to improve competitiveness and reduce supply chain risk.
• Developing and implementing procurement strategies that deliver measurable cost savings and operational improvements.
• Negotiating supplier agreements, payment terms, rebates and commercial contracts.
• Managing procurement activity for capital equipment and ensuring purchasing processes are followed correctly.
• Monitoring inventory levels to ensure materials and consumables are available to support production whilst minimising excess stock.
• Managing company stock control processes, perpetual inventory checks and annual stock takes.
• Producing procurement and supplier performance reports to support business decision making.
• Supporting the integration of purchasing systems and processes across the wider group.
• Working closely with Operations, Production and other internal departments to ensure materials are available to meet production schedules.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives across procurement, stores and materials control.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience in a Purchasing Manager, Procurement Manager or Senior Purchasing role within manufacturing.
• Experience managing purchasing teams and materials control or stores functions.
• Strong supplier negotiation and contract management experience.
• Proven ability to deliver cost savings and improve supplier performance.
• Experience developing procurement strategies and managing supplier relationships.
• Knowledge of inventory management, stock control and materials planning.
• Experience using ERP and MRP systems.
• Strong commercial awareness with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
• CIPS qualification or working towards CIPS would be advantageous.
• Leadership or Lean Manufacturing qualifications would also be beneficial.

The Individual

You will be an experienced Purchasing Manager with strong leadership skills and a commercial mindset. You'll enjoy building relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders whilst driving continuous improvement across procurement and materials management. You'll be organised, proactive and comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where you can influence business performance through effective purchasing strategy, supplier management and inventory control.