Purchasing & Inventory Manager
EA First
🚀 Ready to Take Ownership of a High-Impact Purchasing & Inventory Manager Role?
We're partnering with a leading manufacturer with big growth plans to find a talented Purchasing & Inventory Manager to oversee the procurement of raw materials, packaging, and production goods while maintaining efficient inventory levels.
This is more than just a procurement role - it's a strategic position at the heart of the business, where your decisions directly impact production, profitability, and growth.
🎯 What You'll Be Doing
As a key member of the management team, you'll take full ownership of purchasing and inventory management, ensuring the right materials are in place at the right time - and at the right cost.
🔑 Key Responsibilities
- Build & manage supplier relationships, ensuring reliability, quality, and value
- Develop smart purchasing strategies to secure high-quality materials at competitive prices
- Maintain optimal stock levels, balancing availability with cost control and waste reduction
- Lead contract negotiations, delivering strong commercial outcomes
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Production, Finance & Quality teams
- Own forecasting & budgeting, aligning procurement with production plans
- Drive supply chain performance, resolving issues proactively
- Oversee warehouse utilisation to maximise efficiency
- Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety, and sustainability regulations
- Analyse performance data and present actionable insights to leadership
- Lead and develop your team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement
🧠 What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who combines analytical thinking with strong commercial awareness and a proactive, solutions-driven approach.
✅ Your Experience
- Extensive experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain, ideally in manufacturing
- Strong understanding of inventory management, demand forecasting, and stock control
- Experience with BOMs, MRP, or inventory systems
- Proven ability to negotiate and manage suppliers effectively
- Previous team leadership or management experience
💡 Your Skills
- Highly numerate and analytical, with excellent problem-solving ability
- Strong organisation and prioritisation skills
- Advanced Excel and system proficiency
- Able to work independently while influencing across teams
- Flexible, hands-on mindset with a drive for continuous improvement
🎁 What's in It for You?
- ✅ Competitive salary
- ✅ Hybrid working (after probation period - 3/2 split)
- ✅ Monday-Friday (8am-4pm), 37.5 hours/week
- ✅ Company bonus scheme
- ✅ Pension scheme
- ✅ Employee discounts
- ✅ Long service awards
- ✅ Free on-site parking
🌟 Why Join?
This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a high-visibility and high-impact role within a growing, quality-focused business where your ideas and leadership will make a real difference.
If you're ready to take ownership, drive efficiency, and shape a best-in-class procurement function, we'd love to hear from you.
📩 Apply now and take the next step in your career!
EA First Ltd are acting as an Employment Agency for this permanent vacancy.
Application opens at the source listing. Free for jobseekers.