Job Information

Purchasing Manager

Our client, a manufacturer of Stainless Steel products has built an international reputation as a Specialist Supplier of products used in fluid management and control. The company has established a solid commercial platform with market leading customers and they are now in an exciting phase of growth. This is an opportunity to join a progressive privately owned Company that has ambition and does not want to stand still!

The role has responsibility for a spend of £4.5 million on direct products across two business units, involving various commodity areas including - brass, stainless steel, plastics and rubber. A further £250,000 is spent on indirect products and services (supplies/transport etc). With some 70% of spend in Euro’s, the direct products are often bespoke design’s.

With 100 suppliers in total, 80% of spend is with 11 suppliers of which 9 have an established trading relationship with our client built over 10 years or more, and can be considered to be critical trading partners.

PURPOSE OF ROLE

An experienced Purchasing Manager is required to manage the various dynamics surrounding the effective and efficient management of the purchasing function and key elements of the purchasing cycle, with the emphasis on supporting the hose production and added value elements of the business volume. The individual will take an active role in the management team and, as an individual, be expected to contribute in a practical and visionary manner to the future development and direction of the business.

The role will require both UK and overseas (primarily southern Europe) travelling to facilitate supplier management meetings and determination of future opportunities.

KEY ACTIVITIES:
• Manage direct spend across two business units.
• Manage Purchasing KPI's including, on time delivery performance, stock turn ratios, purchase price variance, key material price movements.
• Ensure continuity of supply & availability of suitable stock to meet known & projected client demand.
• Monitor supplier performance, securing and enhancing strategic supplier relationships.
• Negotiate and place commercial terms and purchasing agreements, to set up long term agreements with suppliers.
• Identify and deliver cost reduction and value add opportunities.
• Establish a close relationship with the sales function to enable fast reaction to changing client demands.
• Establish a close relationship with the Engineering function in support of product development initiatives.
• Manage the selection, retention, appraisal and career development of assigned staff and maximise their effectiveness/efficiency in support of the department core objectives.
• Set agreed departmental objectives and KPIs in line with the Strategic Business Plan and business requirements.
• Produce monthly KPI and ad hoc reports (as requested) to the Management Team and Directors, and present, both formally and by commentary, on any key matters arising.

Every employee has a responsibility to comply with the requirements of the companies, Health and Safety, Quality Management and Environmental management systems.


KEY ATTRIBUTES:
Applicants must possess the following:
• Experienced business professional and member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing (MCIPS)
• Knowledge of the principles of procurement in demand management systems.
• A clear understanding of supplier Management systems operating within the ISO 9000: 2002 Quality systems.
• Experience in the publication and recommendation of key Management reports and analysis.
• Literacy in IT (Microsoft literate) and fluent in excel and access reports.
• Project management skills.
• A highly motivated self starter with analytical and numerate orientation.
• Leadership qualities. (Coach, Mentor, Guide.) To lead a small team as the business grows.
• Good interpersonal communication and presentation skills and thus, fluent and eloquent in the English language.
• A good understanding of the Italian language is highly desirable, but not mandatory.
• Ability to interpret BOM’s and Design Drawings : highly desirable.
• Practical and visionary contribution to future business direction and strategic planning.