Purchasing Manager

Are you looking for an exciting role as Purchasing Manager in an expanding and ambitious company? 

As Purchasing Manager, you will join a purpose-driven company and an employer of choice, where we continuously strive to build on our World-Class technical textiles business within a sustainable manufacturing environment.

Our market-leading engineered textiles keep emergency services crews safe, help renewable energy industries combat climate change, protect our armed forces, safeguard the environment, enhance the lifespan and efficiency of road, rail and air transport, and even safely deliver a soft landing on distant planets.

Heathcoat Fabrics are proud winners of The Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation and as part of the team, you will contribute to some of the most innovative technical fabric-making projects in the world. We are committed to ensuring our people have the skills and confidence to excel in their field, therefore we provide ongoing development opportunities for individuals to progress at all levels.

The Department and The Role

In this key position, you will be supporting the Procurement Manager and Purchasing Team to carry out the purchasing activities for our World Class company. This will include dealing with raw materials, such as yarn, and non-raw material goods. The successful candidate will manage the supplier approval process and will handle the supplier development and evaluation of alternative products and sources whilst supporting the Sales Divisions with cost information as required.

• To effectively manage existing accounts, successfully reduce/control unit costs and expand supplier diversity where applicable
• Accountable for actively sourcing, evaluating, and approving new sources
• Maintain frequent contact with suppliers, organise supplier visits and submit visit reports to the Procurement Manager and colleagues for review
• Responsible for ensuring that internal stakeholders are continually informed regarding new price information
• Produce regular reports for cost changes and forecasts for main / regularly purchased articles
• Develop and optimise systems to improve efficiency and added value of purchasing activity.

Essential Skills and Experience

• CIPS Level 3 or equivalent experience
• Previous experience in purchasing or face-to-face negotiation, good numeracy and literacy, and computer literacy
• Experience in ERP systems, data analysis and cost analysis
• Proven ability to liaise across the business with suppliers, manufacturing and customers
• A flexible and logical approach
• Ability to work on own initiative as well as part of a team
• Supervisory or people management experience
• A desire for self-development and taking a pivotal role in the business
• Understanding of Supplier KPIs