Purchasing Manager

Purchasing Manager – Manufacturing

Hasting, East Sussex

Up to £50,000

Our client is a specialist manufacturer (part of an international group) looking for a Purchasing Manager to run the procurement function and lead a small team of two.

This is a genuinely interesting role for the right person. Manufacturing supply chains are a balancing act; overstock and you tie up cash; understock and long supplier lead times can stall production. They need someone who can manage that tension with confidence.

They welcome first-time managers, if you have strong purchasing/supply chain experience but haven't formally line-managed before, this role offers development opportunities.

Key Responsibilities – Purchasing Manager

• Ensure timely component supply against production demand and the MRP
• Build and negotiate supplier relationships & contracts; source new vendors as needed
• Set and monitor stock levels to balance availability against excess inventory
• Track supplier performance, quality and delivery reliability against costs
• Lead inventory audits and support continuous improvement (Lean, 5S)
• Manage and develop a small team – logistics & buyer
• Occasional travel required for supplier meetings.

Essential Requirements – Purchasing Manager

• 5+ years' purchasing/supply chain experience, ideally in manufacturing or a similar production environment
• Strong understanding of stock/inventory management, particularly balancing buffer stock against long supplier lead times
• Good grasp of procurement processes, sourcing strategy and supply chain risk
• Familiarity with MRP/ERP systems
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and purchasing software
• Strong financial and commercial acumen

Desirable

• Prior line management experience (not essential, support available for first-time managers)
• CPSM or CIPS qualification