Purchasing and Inventory Manager

We’re looking for an experienced and strategic Purchasing and Inventory Manager to lead procurement, supplier relationships, and stock management across our personal care manufacturing operations. You’ll collaborate cross-functionally to forecast demand, optimise inventory levels, and drive cost-effective purchasing strategies that support efficient, uninterrupted production.

Responsibilities

• Supplier Management: Identify, evaluate, and maintain strong relationships with reliable suppliers across raw materials, packaging, and production goods.
• Purchasing Strategy: Develop and execute purchasing strategies to secure high-quality materials at competitive prices.
• Inventory Management: Manage stock levels to ensure optimal availability, minimising shortages, excess stock, and waste.
• Warehouse Oversight: Oversee warehouse utilisation to support efficient storage and material flow.
• Contract Negotiation: Negotiate pricing, contracts, and commercial terms to drive cost efficiencies.
• Quality Assurance: Partner with technical teams to ensure all materials meet quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Forecasting & Budgeting: Collaborate cross-functionally to forecast demand and manage purchasing within budget.
• Supply Chain Coordination: Ensure timely delivery of materials and proactively resolve supply chain issues.
• Compliance: Maintain adherence to company policies and UK regulations, including safety, labelling, and sustainability.
• Reporting & Analysis: Provide regular insights on purchasing performance, supplier effectiveness, and cost savings.
• Team Leadership: Lead and develop the purchasing team, driving efficiency and continuous improvement.

Experience and Knowledge

• 4 – 5 years’ experience in a purchasing, procurement or supply chain role, ideally within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of inventory management, demand forecasting and stock control.
• Experience working with Bills of Materials (BOMs), MRP or inventory management systems.
• Proven supplier management and negotiation skills with experience securing competitive commercial terms.
• Previous team leadership or management experience.
• Highly numerate with strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, with strong system skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently and drive process improvements.
• Flexible mindset and willingness to support wider operations when required.
• 37.5 hour week; Monday – Friday; 8am to 4pm

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