Job Description:

Purchasing Manager

Location: Malton, York, YO17 (office-based)

Salary: Dependent on experience

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Benefits: 25 days' annual leave (including 3 days reserved for Christmas), company pension scheme (5% employee contribution and 3.5% employer contribution)

Overview

We are looking for an experienced Purchasing Manager to join our Management Team, reporting to the Operations Director.

You will be responsible for the reliable and cost-effective supply of electronic components, sub-assemblies, mechanical components and services, alongside overseeing purchasing and stores operations.

This is a key management role combining day-to-day purchasing responsibilities with supplier strategy, cost control and team leadership. Strong purchasing management experience within a manufacturing environment is essential.

Supply Performance

• Manage purchasing activities to ensure materials arrive on time, in full and to specification, maintaining accurate SAP records and stock levels.
• Monitor supplier lead times, material shortages and delivery performance, resolving issues promptly to maintain production schedules.
• Oversee goods inward and stores operations, ensuring accurate stock control and availability of materials.
• Negotiate supplier contracts to secure competitive pricing, lead times and payment terms.
• Manage import, customs and international purchasing requirements.

Supplier Strategy and Risk

• Build long-term partnerships with strategic suppliers through regular reviews and shared forecasts, agreeing volume or price protection terms where commercially sound. Segment the supplier base by spend and criticality.
• Identify supply chain risks early, including shortages, long lead times, component obsolescence and single-source dependencies. Own the mitigation and bring options and recommendations to the Managing Director / Operations Director.
• Develop alternative sourcing options and implement improvements to supplier performance.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities to support profitability and protect margins.
• Maintain a rolling 12-month supply and cost outlook, reviewing key risks and opportunities with the Managing Director.
• Support new sourcing opportunities, including international and offshore suppliers.

Collaboration and Management Team

• Work closely with R&D on new product development, component selection and sourcing requirements.
• Collaborate with Sales, Production and the Managing Director on demand forecasting and purchasing plans.
• Work with Quality to maintain approved supplier lists and ensure compliance with ATEX, IECEx, UKEX and North American certification requirements.
• Provide purchasing, supplier performance and cost information to support Management Team decisions.

Team Leadership

• Lead, manage and develop the purchasing and stores team, setting clear objectives and monitoring performance.
• Provide coaching, training and support to encourage team development and maintain operational cover.
• Build a culture where problems are raised early rather than hidden. Manage team performance and contribute to recruitment. Promote effective communication, accountability and continuous improvement.

Measures and Authority

• Be accountable for on-time receipt of materials, stock accuracy, cost savings and shortage incidents.
• Identify supply chain risks and implement appropriate mitigation plans.
• Ensure purchasing activities comply with agreed approval limits and company financial procedures.

Compliance and Additional Responsibilities

• Ensure purchasing and stores activities comply with company policies, management systems and procedures.
• Maintain an ethical approach to sourcing and supplier relationships.
• Support other purchasing and stores activities as required.

Person Specification

Essential

➜Minimum five years' purchasing or procurement management experience within a manufacturing environment.

➜Experience managing domestic and international supply chains.

➜Proven experience leading and developing a purchasing or stores team.

➜Strong supplier negotiation, relationship management and cost-control skills.

➜Experience improving supplier performance and managing supply chain risks.

➜Working knowledge of SAP, strong Excel skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office 365.

➜Excellent organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills.

➜Commercially aware, proactive and confident working across departments.

Desirable

➜CIPS qualification or working towards one.

➜Electronic, electrical or mechanical engineering background.

➜Experience purchasing electronic or mechanical components.

➜Knowledge of ATEX, IECEx or North American product certification.

➜Experience of dual sourcing and component obsolescence management.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced Purchasing Manager with a strong manufacturing background, excellent supplier management skills and the ability to lead a team, we would welcome your application.

Please apply with your up-to-date CV.

Equals One is an advertising and recruitment agency working on behalf of our client to promote this vacancy. You may be contacted directly by the employer should they wish to progress your application. Due to the number of applications we receive, we are unable to provide specific feedback if your application is unsuccessful.