Purchasing Manager

Location: Malton, York, YO17 (office-based)

Salary: Dependent on experience

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Benefits: 25 days' annual leave (including 3 days reserved for Christmas), company pension scheme (5% employee contribution and 3.5% employer contribution)

Overview

We are looking for an experienced Purchasing Manager to join our Management Team, reporting to the Operations Director.

You will be responsible for the reliable and cost-effective supply of electronic components, sub-assemblies, mechanical components and services, alongside overseeing purchasing and stores operations.

This is a key management role combining day-to-day purchasing responsibilities with supplier strategy, cost control and team leadership. Strong purchasing management experience within a manufacturing environment is essential.

Supply Performance

• Manage purchasing activities to ensure materials arrive on time, in full and to specification, maintaining accurate SAP records and stock levels.
• Monitor supplier lead times, material shortages and delivery performance, resolving issues promptly to maintain production schedules.
• Oversee goods inward and stores operations, ensuring accurate stock control and availability of materials.
• Negotiate supplier contracts to secure competitive pricing, lead times and payment terms.
• Manage import, customs and international purchasing requirements.

Supplier Strategy and Risk

• Build long-term partnerships with strategic suppliers through regular reviews and shared forecasts, agreeing volume or price protection terms where commercially sound. Segment the supplier base by spend and criticality.
• Identify supply chain risks early, including shortages, long lead times, component obsolescence and single-source dependencies. Own the mitigation and bring options and recommendations to the Managing Director / Operations Director.
• Develop alternative sourcing options and implement improvements to supplier performance.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities to support profitability and protect margins.
• Maintain a rolling 12-month supply and cost outlook, reviewing key risks and opportunities with the Managing Director.
• Support new sourcing opportunities, including international and offshore suppliers.

Collaboration and Management Team

• Work closely with R&D on new product development, component selection and sourcing requirements.
• Collaborate with Sales, Production and the Managing Director on demand forecasting and purchasing plans.
• Work with Quality to maintain approved supplier lists and ensure compliance with ATEX, IECEx, UKEX and North American certification requirements.
• Provide purchasing, supplier performance and cost information to support Management Team decisions.

Team Leadership

• Lead, manage and develop the purchasing and stores team, setting clear objectives and monitoring performance.
• Provide coaching, training and support to encourage team development and maintain operational cover.
• Build a culture where problems are raised early rather than hidden. Manage team performance and contribute to recruitment. Promote effective communication, accountability and continuous improvement.

Measures and Authority

• Be accountable for on-time receipt of materials, stock accuracy, cost savings and shortage incidents.
• Identify supply chain risks and implement appropriate mitigation plans.
• Ensure purchasing activities comply with agreed approval limits and company financial procedures.

Compliance and Additional Responsibilities

• Ensure purchasing and stores activities comply with company policies, management systems and procedures.
• Maintain an ethical approach to sourcing and supplier relationships.
• Support other purchasing and stores activities as required.

Person Specification

Essential

• Minimum five years' purchasing or procurement management experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing domestic and international supply chains.
• Proven experience leading and developing a purchasing or stores team.
• Strong supplier negotiation, relationship management and cost-control skills.
• Experience improving supplier performance and managing supply chain risks.
• Working knowledge of SAP, strong Excel skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office 365.
• Excellent organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Commercially aware, proactive and confident working across departments.

Desirable

• CIPS qualification or working towards one.
• Electronic, electrical or mechanical engineering background.
• Experience purchasing electronic or mechanical components.
• Knowledge of ATEX, IECEx or North American product certification.
• Experience of dual sourcing and component obsolescence management.