Purchasing Team Lead
Location: Blackpool
Sector: Manufacturing
Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: £35,000 - £50,000 + Benefits + CIPS Study Support (if required)
Are you a strategic and commercially astute procurement professional with proven leadership experience? We're recruiting on behalf of a well-established and growing manufacturing company based in Blackpool, looking to appoint a Purchasing Team Lead to manage and develop their procurement function.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about driving value, building supplier relationships, and leading a high-performing team.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead the strategic procurement of goods and materials across a multi-million-pound spend portfolio to support stock holdings and production requirements.
* Manage, mentor, and develop a team of three procurement professionals.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with UK and international suppliers, ensuring long-term partnerships.
* Negotiate pricing, service levels, and delivery terms; manage supplier contracts and agreements.
* Identify and onboard new suppliers to increase supply chain resilience and competitiveness.
* Collaborate with internal teams to convert demand forecasts into accurate purchasing plans and schedules.
* Oversee the full purchase order process, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
* Identify opportunities for cost savings through value analysis and strategic sourcing.
* Work closely with R&D, Product Design, QA, and Sales teams to align procurement with wider business goals.
* Monitor market trends and commodity price movements to support informed decision-making.
* Utilise the in-house commercial system for all purchasing activities and reporting.
Candidate Profile:
* Demonstrates a genuine interest in procurement and supply chain best practices.
* A confident and effective team leader with strong communication skills.
* Proactive, commercially aware, and self-motivated.
* Experienced in using commercial procurement systems and Microsoft Office tools.
* Excellent analytical, numerical, and organisational skills.
* High attention to detail and able to work effectively under pressure.
* Previous experience in a manufacturing or industrial setting is preferred.
* CIPS qualified or willing to study towards qualification (study support available).
What’s On Offer:
* Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
* Supportive working environment and team culture
* Career progression opportunities within a successful and growing manufacturer
* CIPS study support, if required