Purchasing Lead
Permanent | Full-time | Stand Alone Role | High Wycombe
Are you a strategic supply chain professional who thrives on ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement? This is a pivotal opportunity to lead and shape a materials and supply chain function within a growing, technology‑driven manufacturing business.
As Purchasing Lead, you will hold end‑to‑end responsibility for materials planning, purchasing, inventory control, and subcontracted manufacturing. Your work will be critical to ensuring production continuity, cost efficiency, and high-quality delivery, while building robust, future‑ready supply chain practices.
Purchasing Lead
The Opportunity
This is a senior, hands‑on leadership role where strategic thinking meets operational execution. You’ll work closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, and external partners to ensure materials flow smoothly from suppliers through to finished goods, supporting business growth and operational excellence.
Purchasing Lead Responsibilities
Material Planning & Scheduling
* Lead material planning strategies aligned with production requirements and customer forecasts
* Optimise stock levels to balance cost, availability, and supply risk
* Take ownership of shortages, over‑supply, and disruptions, driving timely corrective actions
Purchasing & Supplier Management
* Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and subcontract manufacturers
* Secure best value through cost, quality, and delivery performance
* Develop, approve, and manage a resilient supplier base
* Define supplier KPIs and actively manage performance
Inventory & Data Integrity
* Control inventory levels, accuracy, and movements
* Maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) and MRP data integrity
* Identify and mitigate risks around shortages and obsolescence
* Lead obsolete inventory processes to minimise waste and liability
Systems, Processes & Continuous Improvement
* Ensure MRP/ERP systems are accurate, effective, and continuously improved
* Identify opportunities for smarter, more flexible supply chain solutions
* Champion lean principles and continuous improvement initiatives
Collaboration & Communication
* Act as the central supply chain interface across Production, Engineering, Quality, and suppliers
* Provide clear reporting on material status, risks, and opportunities
Purchasing Lead
What We’re Looking For
* Proven experience in materials management, supply chain leadership, and purchasing
* Strong understanding of electronic and mechanical manufacturing environments
* A track record of effective supplier relationship and performance management
* A proactive, self‑motivated leader with excellent interpersonal skills
* Some overseas travel may be required (infrequent if required).
If you enjoy building high‑performing supply chains, solving complex challenges, and working at the heart of manufacturing operations, this role offers both influence and opportunity.
Thank you for your application. Due to the volume of applications, we receive, unfortunately we are not able to respond to every application personally, therefore, if you have not heard back from us within 5 working days, please assume your application has been unsuccessful. To see our other available vacancies please visit our website.