Purchasing Specialist
Permanent
£33,000.00 - £37,000.00 per annum
Days
Southport
Are you a commercially minded Purchasing/Buying Specialist who thrives in a manufacturing environment where supplier performance, material flow and cost control really matter?
We’re looking for a proactive, hands-on Purchasing Specialist to work closely with our clients Manufacturing Manager and play a critical role in ensuring materials, parts and sub-assemblies are sourced, controlled and delivered to support efficient, on-time production.
This is a key position within our clients operation, offering real ownership of supplier relationships, material planning and continuous improvement activity.
The Role
As Purchasing Specialist, you’ll take responsibility for the end-to-end purchasing and materials management process, ensuring supply continuity, cost control and operational excellence across the factory.
You will:
* Identify, assess and onboard new suppliers in line with defined procedures
* Manage preferred suppliers, driving performance, quality and cost improvement
* Lead supplier engagement in continuous improvement and cost reduction initiatives
* Coordinate supplier first article and first production sample approvals
* Raise and manage quotations, purchase orders and call-offs for materials, parts and sub-assemblies
* Use the MRP system to forecast demand, control inventory and maintain optimal stock levels
* Oversee goods receipt, identification, storage and material presentation to production lines
* Investigate and resolve purchase ledger and invoice queries promptly
* Control stock accuracy across raw materials, WIP and finished goods, including month-end counts and reconciliations
* Manage non-conforming materials, supplier returns and system updates
* Control supplier costs, identify savings and communicate lead-time or cost risks clearly
What We’re Looking For
* Strong experience in purchasing, materials management or supply chain within a manufacturing environment
* Solid understanding of modern purchasing, supplier development and materials planning principles
* Commercially aware with the confidence to negotiate and challenge suppliers
* Comfortable working with MRP/ERP systems and inventory control processes
* A clear communicator who can work effectively across production, quality, finance and logistics
* A practical problem-solver with a continuous improvement mindset
* Organised, resilient and able to manage multiple priorities under pressure
Leadership & Working Style
* Fair, consistent and professional when dealing with conflict or performance issues
* Listens to operational teams and values shop-floor insight
* Builds trust and positive working relationships
* Plans and prioritises work effectively to meet production and business targets
* Supports colleagues through clear communication and on-the-job guidance
Why Join Them?
* A role with genuine influence on cost, delivery and production performance
* Close collaboration with manufacturing leadership
* Opportunity to drive supplier improvement and lean initiatives
* Stable, structured manufacturing environment with clear processes
* Chance to contribute directly to business improvement projects and measurable KPIs
To be considered for this position, please send us your CV ASAP by applying to this advert