Purchasing Lead £34,000 per annum Monday - Friday 8.00 to 16.00 Permanent role
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My long standing and award-winning client is seeking a Purchasing Lead to manage all purchasing activities, ensuring cost control, supplier performance, quality compliance, and material availability to support production and growth.
Candidate Profile:
* 5+ years experience in manufacturing purchasing (automotive/aerospace preferred)
* Strong negotiation and commercial skills
* MRP/ERP system experience essential
* Data-driven, organised, and proactive
* Confident working in a fast-paced SME environment
* Strong communication and problem-solving skills
* Proficient in MS Office
Key Responsibilities:
* Strategic Procurement
* Develop and deliver purchasing strategy aligned to business goals
* Drive cost reduction and value engineering initiatives
* Lead supplier negotiations (price, terms, agreements)
* Benchmark raw material pricing (stainless, inconel, aluminium, consumables)
* Support expansion into aerospace, defence, and regulated sectors
* Operational Purchasing
* Manage purchase orders in line with MRP requirements
* Monitor supplier schedules and ensure on-time delivery (OTIF)
* Expedite critical materials as needed
* Maintain accurate system data (lead times, MOQ, pricing)
* Supplier Management
* Build and manage supplier relationships and performance
* Conduct supplier reviews and support corrective actions
* Identify and onboard new suppliers to reduce risk and cost
* Cost & Inventory Control
* Control spend in line with budget and cash flow targets
* Negotiate payment terms and identify cost-saving opportunities
* Optimise stock levels and reduce working capital
* Oversee stock takes, cycle counts, and discrepancy resolution
* Financial & Cross-Functional Support
* Provide cost data (pricing, forecasts, freight, duties) to Finance
* Support standard costing and budgeting processes
* Work closely with Production, Engineering, and NPI teams
* Report purchasing performance to senior management
* Compliance & Risk
* Ensure ethical procurement and supplier compliance
* Mitigate supply chain risks and maintain traceability
* Support contingency planning for supply disruption
CRC Recruitment are a leading Midlands based recruitment consultancy covering vacancies across the UK. We have been established since 2003 and have a reputation for high service standards to both candidates and clients. xkybehq We supply permanent or temporary staff to all areas of business covering a variety of different industry sectors.