Purchasing Manager

An established and well-regarded manufacturing business based in Fareham is looking to appoint an experienced Purchasing Manager to oversee and manage the procurement of materials and inventory critical to production and customer delivery.

This is a key role within the business, responsible for ensuring material availability, supplier performance, cost control and stock accuracy, while leading and developing a small purchasing function. As Purchasing Manager, you will take ownership of purchasing operations, stock control and supplier management, working closely with production and sales teams to support business performance and customer service.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end purchasing process to ensure materials are available to meet production and sales demand
• Run and maintain stock requisition and planning processes
• Ensure inventory accuracy, including stock takes and month-end adjustments
• Investigate and resolve stock discrepancies and negative stock issues
• Expedite late deliveries and manage supplier performance
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, delivery schedules and payment terms with suppliers
• Drive supplier consolidation and re-sourcing initiatives to improve efficiency and cost
• Ensure vendor lead times and system data are accurate and up to date
• Lead, support and motivate a Purchasing Assistant
• Support continuous improvement across purchasing and inventory processes
• Work collaboratively with other departments to meet operational objectives

Skills & Knowledge Required

• Proven experience in a purchasing or procurement role within a manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of MRP systems and Bills of Materials (BOMs)
• Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills
• Strong time management and decision-making ability
• Confident negotiator with suppliers
• Intermediate IT skills, including Microsoft Office
• Customer-focused mindset, understanding the impact of materials availability on service levels
• Experience using Navision or Microsoft Dynamics (desirable)
• CIPS qualification or willingness to work towards CIPS (desirable)

Salary and Benefits

• £40,000 depending on experience
• Permanent, full-time position
• Mon-Thurs 8.00am - 4.30pm, Fri 8.00am - 1.00pm - 37 hours or slight variation of
• Company Pension
• On Site Parking
• On-site role in Fareham with a stable and supportive employer
• Opportunity to play a key role in a growing manufacturing operation

If you re an experienced Purchasing Manager or Senior Buyer ready to take ownership of a critical function within a manufacturing business, this is an excellent opportunity to progress your career.