The Role
Our client is a leading manufacturer of personal care products seeking an experienced and strategic Purchasing and Inventory Manager to oversee the procurement of raw materials, packaging, and production goods while maintaining efficient inventory levels. In this role, you will build and manage strong supplier relationships, negotiate contracts and pricing, and implement purchasing strategies that ensure high-quality materials are secured at competitive prices. You will work closely with Sales, Production, Finance, and Quality teams to forecast demand, manage purchasing budgets, and maintain optimal stock levels to support uninterrupted production. The role also includes overseeing warehouse utilisation and leading the purchasing team to drive efficiency, cost savings, and continuous improvement across procurement and inventory operations.
Responsibilities:
* Supplier Management: Identify, evaluate, and maintain strong relationships with reliable suppliers across raw materials, packaging, and production goods.
* Purchasing Strategy: Develop and execute purchasing strategies to secure high-quality materials at competitive prices.
* Inventory Management: Manage stock levels to ensure optimal availability, minimising shortages, excess stock, and waste.
* Warehouse Oversight: Oversee warehouse utilisation to support efficient storage and material flow.
* Contract Negotiation: Negotiate pricing, contracts, and commercial terms to drive cost efficiencies.
* Quality Assurance: Partner with technical teams to ensure all materials meet quality standards and regulatory requirements.
* Forecasting & Budgeting: Collaborate cross-functionally to forecast demand and manage purchasing within budget.
* Supply Chain Coordination: Ensure timely delivery of materials and proactively resolve supply chain issues.
* Compliance: Maintain adherence to company policies and UK regulations, including safety, labelling, and sustainability.
* Reporting & Analysis: Provide regular insights on purchasing performance, supplier effectiveness, and cost savings.
* Team Leadership: Lead and develop the purchasing team, driving efficiency and continuous improvement.
Experience and Knowledge:
* 4 – 5 years’ experience in a purchasing, procurement or supply chain role, ideally within a manufacturing environment.
* Strong understanding of inventory management, demand forecasting and stock control.
* Experience working with Bills of Materials (BOMs), MRP or inventory management systems.
* Proven supplier management and negotiation skills with experience securing competitive commercial terms.
* Previous team leadership or management experience.
* Highly numerate with strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, with strong system skills.
* Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently and drive process improvements.
* Flexible mindset and willingness to support wider operations when required.
Benefits:
* 37.5 hour week; Monday – Friday; 8am to 4pm
* Company Bonus Scheme
* Quarterly Incentives
* Long service award
* Company pension
* Employee discount
* Free on-site parking