A long-established engineering and manufacturing business in Grantham is continuing to scale and modernise, following significant investment in new technology, facilities, product lines, and people. They are now seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead procurement activity and drive continuous improvements across a complex and fast-moving supply chain.
This is a key leadership role where you will manage a small team and own purchasing strategy for over £25m annual spend across raw materials, components, services, and subcontracted manufacturing. You’ll work closely with production, engineering, planning, and quality to keep the factory moving efficiently and cost-effectively.
What You’ll Be Doing
· Lead and develop a small purchasing team
· Manage a global supplier base of 100+ suppliers
· Own procurement strategy and vendor performance
· Negotiate contracts, pricing, terms and supplier agreements
· Ensure materials and services meet quality, cost and delivery standards
· Manage MRP/ERP data, quotes, PO process, supplier records and stock levels
· Work cross-functionally with Production, Planning, Design and Quality
· Track KPIs and supplier performance; identify risks and improvement opportunities
· Conduct cost analysis, identify savings, alternatives, & supply chain improvements
· Present performance and reports to senior management
About You
· 10+ years purchasing/procurement experience in manufacturing or engineering
· Strong commercial and negotiation skills
· Able to read and understand technical specs/drawings
· Experience managing supplier performance and contract agreements
· Skilled with MRP/ERP systems and data-driven decision making
· Strategic thinker with hands-on approach
· Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
· CIPS Level 4 (desired but not essential)
Why This Role?
This is a chance to join a business with serious long-term ambition and a real commitment to improvement — technology upgrades, new machinery, supply chain investment, and a leadership team driving positive change.
If you enjoy leading procurement in a manufacturing setting, influencing strategy, and improving supplier performance while working closely with engineering and production — this role will suit you perfectly.
Interested?
Apply today or contact us to discuss the role in confidence