Purchasing Manager

SECTOR: Electronics and Electro-Mechanical Design & Manufacturing

The role is responsible for the management of a small Purchasing Team and related processes and procedures to ensure that the supply chain and the business’ stock holding can meet the needs of the Production schedule driven by customer requirements.

In addition this role is also responsible for ensuring that the MRP database is accurately maintained,  that stock level and stock turn targets are met and suppliers are performing on price, quality and service to acceptable levels that meet business needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Managing and controlling external suppliers, handling negotiations, and driving for cost reductions, improved trading terms and where possible freeing up working capital.
• Ensuring that inventory and stock turns targets are met while working in close collaboration with Sales, Production, Engineering, Warehousing and Finance departments.
• Work closely with the Sales and Engineering Teams to identify any Long Lead items to enable production slots to be secured with the Supply Chain to meet with customer lead times.
• Utilise strong analytical skills to examine data, identify purchasing / usage trends and ensuring the reorder levels are correctly set and appropriate replenishment Purchase orders are raised in a timely manner.
• Facilitate the rationalisation of the supplier base, which will contribute to cost savings and improved efficiency.
• Close collaboration with product development and taking lead in all purchase and supply chain activities to drive best in class solutions.
• Ensure all MRP generated requisitions are actioned in a timely manner to ensure selected suppliers can deliver on time to meet the production program.
• Establish strategic relationships with key suppliers who are aligned to the business's needs, and identify new suppliers, agree improved terms, and negotiate supply agreements / contracts.
• Continually improving purchasing performance through supplier visits, value analysis, and drive down external spend.
• Understanding and keeping up with new trends and regulations
• Analyse inventories to determine how to increase inventory turns and reduce waste.
• Ensure that Health and Safety standards are adhered to, ensuring the safety of yourself, your colleagues, visitors, and members of the public.

About You:

• Degree or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years previous experience in a Procurement role, gained within electromechanical manufacturing industry.
• Leadership experience (ideally across both procurement and stores/inventory).
• Proven ability in MRP (SAP Business One - advantageous).
• Capable user of Microsoft Office tools (ideally advanced Excel user).
• Proven track record of controlling and reducing external spend and stockholding whilst developing a robust supplier base.
• Proven track record of driving change, cost reduction and working capital improvements.
• MCIPS/CIPS - preferred.