Job Title: Purchasing & Procurement Manager
We are expanding from an SME into a medium-sized enterprise and are seeking a
Purchasing & Procurement Manager
to lead a team of three within our fast-paced manufacturing environment. This newly created role, reporting to the Procurement & Supply Chain Director, is central to strengthening supplier performance, ensuring on-time delivery, controlling costs, and optimising inventory—including the rollout of Supplier Managed Inventory (SMI) strategies.
With a global supply chain spanning Europe, China, and the USA, and managing 1,700+ active part numbers, this role demands a proactive, analytical, and leadership-driven professional.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage a purchasing team (3 direct reports) to secure timely, cost-effective supply of materials and components.
* Build and maintain strong global supplier relationships to improve quality, consistency, and cost efficiency.
* Drive departmental KPIs including on-time delivery, supplier performance, cost savings, and stock management.
* Identify and deliver freight savings and stock reduction initiatives, including SMI with key vendors.
* Oversee purchase order creation and approvals, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with AVL.
* Maintain and improve procurement policies and procedures in line with ISO and company QMS standards.
* Collaborate with production, engineering, and warehousing to support material availability and inventory accuracy.
* Implement lean practices across purchasing and supply chain operations.
* Support accurate forecasting and long-term supplier planning to provide business-wide visibility.
* Coach and develop team members to build a high-performing procurement function.
Education & Experience
* Degree/diploma in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field.
* 5+ years of procurement leadership experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
* Proven success in supplier management, cost reduction, and achieving KPIs,
including procurement of heavy metals (such as aluminium) used in casting and fabrication, as well as bolts, clips, PPS, and fasteners.
* Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience in international supplier agreements and logistics contracts.