Purchasing Manager Location: Middlesbrough | Full-Time | Permanent Jackson Hogg is working with a growing manufacturing business based in Teesside on the appointment of an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead the client's purchasing and stores function. If you’re commercially sharp, operationally hands-on, and passionate about driving value through strong supplier relationships and a high-performing team, this could be the role for you! This is a critical role within our business, responsible for managing a multi-million-pound spend across materials and sub-contract services. You’ll lead a small team, oversee supplier performance, and help shape procurement strategy to support our ambitious growth plans. Role & Responsibilities As the Purchasing Manager, you will take full ownership of the client's procurement and stores operations, delivering a “best-in-class” service to internal stakeholders and ensuring that the business is sourcing reliably, efficiently, and competitively. You’ll build strong relationships with key supply chain partners and lead the charge on cost control, supplier performance, inventory optimisation, and continuous improvement. Your role will include: * Leading and developing the purchasing and stores team including coaching, mentoring, and setting clear KPIs * Managing supplier performance across quality, cost, and delivery * Taking ownership of supplier risks, implementing proactive mitigation strategies * Overseeing purchasing agreements, pricing negotiations, and service-level agreements * Driving operational excellence — identifying process gaps and tightening procedures * Supporting day-to-day transactional purchasing as needed * Managing inventory accuracy and ensuring JIT delivery to the production team * Building a culture of accountability, agility, and continuous improvement Desirable Skills & Experience * Proven experience in a senior purchasing or procurement leadership role * Background in manufacturing — ideally steel or heavy industry * Experience managing stores or warehouse functions * Strong commercial acumen and confident negotiating skills * High attention to detail and the ability to work accurately under pressure * Excellent communication and stakeholder management skill, both internal and external * A track record of driving operational improvements and leading successful teams * Strong planning, analytical, and organisational skills * Degree qualified or equivalent experience * CIPS membership or working towards * Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience using MRP/ERP systems is a strong advantage This is a fantastic opportunity to take full ownership of a critical function and make a genuine impact in a business that’s growing and evolving. If you're ready to lead from the front and bring a fresh perspective to procurement, get in touch with Skye Madden - Managing Consultant at Jackson Hogg for more information and to apply