Purchasing Manager – Manufacturing
Location: Greater Manchester, OL9
Salary: 30,000 – £35,000 a year
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Purchasing Manager to join a manufacturing-focused organisation where procurement plays a critical role in operational performance. This position is ideal for a driven professional with a strong background in manufacturing procurement, who understands the importance of material availability, cost control, and supplier reliability in a production environment.
You will take responsibility for sourcing raw materials and components, managing supplier performance, and ensuring procurement activities support production schedules and business growth. Strong ERP capability and a practical understanding of manufacturing supply chains are essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute procurement strategies to support manufacturing operations and business objectives
- Source raw materials, components, and services required for production, ensuring continuity of supply
- Manage and develop supplier relationships, focusing on cost, quality, lead times, and reliability
- Oversee the full purchasing lifecycle, from requisition through to delivery and supplier performance review
- Use ERP systems to manage demand planning, purchase orders, inventory data, and reporting
- Negotiate pricing, contracts, and supply agreements to achieve cost optimisation without compromising quality
- Collaborate closely with production, planning, engineering, and quality teams to align procurement with manufacturing requirements
- Coordinate logistics and inbound supply to ensure materials arrive in line with production schedules
- Monitor market conditions, commodity trends, and supplier capacity risks
- Ensure procurement processes comply with internal policies, quality standards, and relevant regulations
About You
You will be commercially astute, highly organised, and comfortable working in a fast‑moving manufacturing environment where priorities can shift quickly.
Essential experience and skills:
- Proven experience in a purchasing or procurement role within a manufacturing or industrial setting
- Strong working knowledge of ERP systems in a production environment
- Demonstrated success in supplier negotiation, contract management, and cost‑reduction initiatives
- Solid understanding of manufacturing supply chains, logistics, and inventory control
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while supporting production continuity
- Clear and confident communication skills, with the ability to influence both internal and external stakeholders
Desirable:
- Experience working within a structured, regulated, or quality‑driven manufacturing environment
Why This Role?
This is a chance to play a key role in supporting manufacturing performance through effective procurement. You’ll work closely with operational teams, contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, and have real ownership over supplier relationships and purchasing strategy. Strategic thinking, problem‑solving, and negotiation skills are highly valued in this role.
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