Purchasing Manager
Dagenham, London
Salary: £60,000 (DOE)
About the Role
Are you a proactive and experienced Purchasing Manager looking for your next challenge? Our client, an innovative and fast-paced manufacturing business, is seeking a talented individual to lead their purchasing team. This pivotal role ensures materials are on-site at the right time, optimising costs and transport efficiency to support production facilities across multiple locations.
With a focus on supplier performance and cost management, you’ll drive continuous improvement using key metrics, helping the team achieve operational excellence. Reporting directly to the Supply Chain Director, this is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of purchasing strategies, supplier development, and team leadership within an exciting, dynamic environment.
Key Responsibilities:

Lead and coordinate the purchasing team to achieve tasks efficiently and on time.
Foster a positive, improvement-focused culture through regular one-to-one meetings, appraisals, and development plans.
Support budget preparation and management, deputising for the Supply Chain Director when required.
Maintain accurate and audited purchasing data, collaborating with internal teams and suppliers to ensure data integrity.
Develop and implement commodity strategies to meet programme requirements.
Measure, analyse, and improve supply chain performance as part of the leadership team.
Manage inventory levels to meet targets, forecast accurately, and mitigate financial impact of obsolete stock.
Negotiate supplier agreements, including pricing, terms, and long-term contracts, ensuring quality, cost, and delivery targets are met.
Benchmark suppliers and rationalise the supply base to align with business objectives.
Promote a culture of continuous improvement and lean methodology across the purchasing function.What We’re Looking For:

Proven experience in international sourcing and buying for manufactured products.
Proficiency in MRP & ERP systems (Epicor experience advantageous).
Strong commercial and financial acumen with expertise in supplier performance management.
Background in multi-site manufacturing and knowledge of engineering processes (ideal).
CIPS qualification (or willingness to work towards it).
Understanding of continuous improvement or lean methodology.
Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work under pressure and prioritise workloads.
Effective communicator and team player, capable of building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.Why Join Us?
This role offers the chance to work within a forward-thinking business that values innovation, efficiency, and collaboration. If you’re a driven individual who thrives in a fast-paced SME environment, this could be your ideal opportunity