Purchasing Manager

Role overview

This is a senior position with a direct impact on day-to-day business performance. The Purchasing Manager will own procurement and supply chain activity, helping the company build a strong, sustainable, and resilient supplier network for its own-brand manufactured parts and authorised principal-brand distribution lines.

The role involves managing suppliers across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the UK, while working closely with Operations, R&D, Sales, and Finance to support wider growth plans. The successful candidate will report to the Group Purchasing Director and will be expected to provide regular updates, performance metrics, and clear progress reports so that purchasing activity stays aligned with group strategy and targets.

Key responsibilities

Strategic procurement

• Create and execute a purchasing plan that supports the group's commercial and operational goals.
• Source and bring in new suppliers globally, especially in Europe and Asia-Pacific, to help launch new products and broaden the range.
• Lead sourcing for own-brand manufactured components, including raw materials and finished goods.
• Oversee buying for authorised principal-brand products through key distribution partners and OE suppliers.
• Assist R&D and product development teams with sourcing for new ranges across more than 33 product categories.
• Share regular procurement reporting with the Group Purchasing Director, covering savings delivered, supplier performance, spend under management, stock availability, and progress against purchasing targets on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis as needed.

Supplier relationship management

• Develop and sustain strong relationships with important suppliers and manufacturers in the UK and overseas.
• Run supplier reviews and negotiate pricing, trading terms, and rebate arrangements to secure the best commercial outcome.
• Track supplier performance using KPIs such as delivery reliability, quality compliance, and lead times.
• Spot supply chain risks and put mitigation measures in place, including dual-sourcing where suitable.

Cost and commercial management

• Lead cost-saving initiatives and improve purchasing efficiency without weakening product quality or supply continuity.
• Monitor pricing movements for commercial vehicle components and raw materials, then present relevant market intelligence to the Group Purchasing Director.
• Manage purchase prices across the portfolio to protect margins and competitiveness.
• Work with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and cost-of-goods reporting.

Inventory and supply chain operations

• Partner with warehouse, logistics, and sales teams to optimise stock levels and inventory turnover at the UK distribution centre.
• Support demand planning processes to reduce stock shortages and surplus inventory.
• Coordinate with group subsidiaries across Europe to align procurement and make better use of group purchasing scale.
• Ensure import and export rules are followed, including the handling of documents for international shipments.

Team leadership and development

• Lead, manage, and develop the purchasing team by setting clear goals and encouraging continuous improvement.
• Coach buyers and support their professional growth.
• Promote close collaboration with Sales, Operations, R&D, and Finance so buying decisions support the wider business.

Systems and compliance

• Keep purchasing records accurate and up to date in the company’s ERP and stock management systems.
• Make sure all procurement activity follows group policies, ethical sourcing standards, and applicable laws.
• Support sustainability and responsible sourcing initiatives in line with the group’s environmental and ethical commitments.

Person specification

Essential experience and abilities

• At least 5 years of experience in a purchasing or procurement management role, preferably in automotive, commercial vehicle, industrial components, or manufacturing.
• Proven success in managing international supply chains, including sourcing from Asia, especially China, and Europe.
• Strong negotiation ability, including handling complex supplier agreements across multiple product lines.
• Experience managing procurement for own-brand manufactured products as well as principal/OEM branded distribution lines.
• Commercially focused with a solid understanding of cost modelling, landed cost analysis, and margin control.
• Confident using ERP or stock management systems, plus advanced working knowledge of Excel.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to lead and develop a team.
• Capable of working independently and prioritising effectively in a fast-moving, growth-oriented environment.

Desirable experience

• CIPS qualified, working toward CIPS, or holding an equivalent procurement qualification.
• Background in the commercial vehicle, heavy transport, or automotive components aftermarket sector.
• Experience in a group or multi-site organisation with procurement coordination across multiple entities.
• Knowledge of private label or white-label sourcing and product development.
• Experience working in a listed company and understanding its reporting expectations.

What we offer

• A high-impact leadership position in Europe’s largest independent specialist manufacturer in its sector, with real influence over the function.
• The chance to join a business in a strong growth phase following a major strategic acquisition.
• A competitive salary based on experience.
• A company pension scheme.
• The opportunity to work across a multinational group with sites in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
• A collaborative and experienced working environment.

Additional information

This is a full-time onsite role based in the Manchester Area, United Kingdom. The position is part of a business operating across multiple regions, and the role requires regular collaboration with international teams and suppliers.