Purchasing and Inventory Manager
The Role
Our client is a leading manufacturer of personal care products seeking an experienced and strategic Purchasing and Inventory Manager to oversee the procurement of raw materials, packaging, and production goods while maintaining efficient inventory levels. In this role, you will build and manage strong supplier relationships, negotiate contracts and pricing, and implement purchasing strategies that ensure high-quality materials are secured at competitive prices. You will work closely with Sales, Production, Finance, and Quality teams to forecast demand, manage purchasing budgets, and maintain optimal stock levels to support uninterrupted production. The role also includes overseeing warehouse utilisation and leading the purchasing team to drive efficiency, cost savings, and continuous improvement across procurement and inventory operations.
Responsibilities
- Supplier Management: Identify, assess and build strong working relationships with reliable suppliers for raw materials, packaging and other goods required for production.
- Purchasing Strategy: Develop and implement effective purchasing strategies to ensure timely access to high-quality materials at competitive prices.
- Inventory Management: Oversee stock levels of raw materials and packaging to maintain optimal availability, preventing production delays whilst minimising excess stock and waste.
- Manage warehouse utilisation.
- Contract Negotiation: Negotiate contracts, pricing and commercial terms with suppliers to secure favourable agreements and cost efficiencies.
- Quality Assurance: Work closely with the technical team to ensure all purchased materials comply with quality requirements and relevant regulations.
- Forecasting and Budget Management: Collaborate with Sales, Production and Finance teams to forecast material requirements in line with production plans and manage purchasing within agreed budgets.
- Supply Chain Coordination: Ensure the timely delivery of materials to avoid disruption to production and proactively resolve any supply chain issues.
- Compliance: Ensure all purchasing activities comply with company policies, industry standards and UK regulations relating to safety, labelling and sustainability.
- Reporting and Analysis: Prepare regular reports on purchasing performance, supplier effectiveness and cost savings for director level review.
- Team Leadership: Lead, coach and develop the purchasing team, driving efficiency and continuous improvement in procurement practices.
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.
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