Purchasing Lead

Purchasing Lead

£34,000 per annum

Monday - Friday

8.00 to 16.00

Permanent role

My long standing and award-winning client is seeking a Purchasing Lead to manage all purchasing activities, ensuring cost control, supplier performance, quality compliance, and material availability to support production and growth.

Candidate Profile:

5+ years’ experience in manufacturing purchasing (automotive/aerospace preferred) 

Strong negotiation and commercial skills 

MRP/ERP system experience essential 

Data-driven, organised, and proactive 

Confident working in a fast-paced SME environment 

Strong communication and problem-solving skills 

Proficient in MS Office

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Procurement

Develop and deliver purchasing strategy aligned to business goals 

Drive cost reduction and value engineering initiatives 

Lead supplier negotiations (price, terms, agreements) 

Benchmark raw material pricing (stainless, inconel, aluminium, consumables) 

Support expansion into aerospace, defence, and regulated sectors 

Operational Purchasing

Manage purchase orders in line with MRP requirements 

Monitor supplier schedules and ensure on-time delivery (OTIF) 

Expedite critical materials as needed 

Maintain accurate system data (lead times, MOQ, pricing) 

Supplier Management

Build and manage supplier relationships and performance 

Conduct supplier reviews and support corrective actions 

Identify and onboard new suppliers to reduce risk and cost 

Cost & Inventory Control

Control spend in line with budget and cash flow targets 

Negotiate payment terms and identify cost-saving opportunities 

Optimise stock levels and reduce working capital 

Oversee stock takes, cycle counts, and discrepancy resolution 

Financial & Cross-Functional Support

Provide cost data (pricing, forecasts, freight, duties) to Finance 

Support standard costing and budgeting processes 

Work closely with Production, Engineering, and NPI teams 

Report purchasing performance to senior management 

Compliance & Risk

Ensure ethical procurement and supplier compliance 

Mitigate supply chain risks and maintain traceability 

Support contingency planning for supply disruption 

CRC Recruitment are a leading Midlands based recruitment consultancy covering vacancies across the UK. We have been established since 2003 and have a reputation for high service standards to both candidates and clients. We supply permanent or temporary staff to all areas of business covering a variety of different industry sectors.