Purchasing Manager - 12 months fixed term (maternity cover)
This role leads the end-to-end procurement of raw materials, packaging, consumables, and essential services that keep wax production running smoothly.
The successful candidate will be responsible for securing reliable supply at the right cost and quality, managing supplier relationships, and supporting operational performance across manufacturing, logistics, quality, and wider business teams.
Key Responsibilities
* Drive sourcing activities for raw materials, additives, packaging, and service providers, ensuring strong cost control, consistent quality, and uninterrupted supply.
* Manage purchasing operations with Far East suppliers, including raising purchase orders, tracking shipments, and ensuring on-time delivery to site.
* Work closely with Legal to negotiate contracts, pricing structures, and commercial terms that strengthen the company's competitive position.
* Maintain appropriate stock levels through accurate forecasting and proactive planning to avoid shortages.
* Oversee supplier performance, conduct regular reviews, and champion continuous improvement initiatives.
* Partner with Technical and MPD teams to resolve supplier-related quality issues and support the qualification of new materials.
* Ensure purchase orders, data, and procurement workflows are accurate, efficient, and compliant.
* Monitor market developments and identify opportunities for cost savings, value engineering, or supply optimisation.
* Collaborate with Manufacturing, Finance, Logistics, and HSE to align procurement activity with operational and compliance requirements.
* Ensure all purchased materials and services meet product specifications, regulatory standards, and internal quality expectations.
Personal Profile
You will thrive in this role if you bring:
* Strong numerical and analytical capability, with attention to detail when managing budgets and procurement data.
* Excellent organisational and time-management skills to coordinate supplier timelines and internal requirements.
* Confident problem-solving and decision‑making abilities to navigate supply chain challenges and secure the best outcomes.
* A customer‑focused mindset, ensuring suppliers deliver high standards of quality, service, and reliability.
* Effective leadership and collaboration skills to support purchasing colleagues and work cross‑functionally with other departments.
* A continuous‑improvement approach, always looking for ways to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.
* Resilience and adaptability to respond to changing market conditions and supply dynamics.
* A flexible, relationship‑driven approach to supplier management while upholding safety, compliance, and quality standards.
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