Purchasing Lead

1 Days Old

Job Description

Purchasing Lead£34,000 per annumMonday - Friday8.00 to 16.00Permanent role
My long standing and award-winning client is seeking a Purchasing Lead to manage all purchasing activities, ensuring cost control, supplier performance, quality compliance, and material availability to support production and growth.
Candidate Profile:
  • 5+ years experience in manufacturing purchasing (automotive/aerospace preferred)
  • Strong negotiation and commercial skills
  • MRP/ERP system experience essential
  • Data-driven, organised, and proactive
  • Confident working in a fast-paced SME environment
  • Strong communication and problem-solving skills
  • Proficient in MS Office
Key Responsibilities:
  • Strategic Procurement
  • Develop and deliver purchasing strategy aligned to business goals
  • Drive cost reduction and value engineering initiatives
  • Lead supplier negotiations (price, terms, agreements)
  • Benchmark raw material pricing (stainless, inconel, aluminium, consumables)
  • Support expansion into aerospace, defence, and regulated sectors
  • Operational Purchasing
  • Manage purchase orders in line with MRP requirements
  • Monitor supplier schedules and ensure on-time delivery (OTIF)
  • Expedite critical materials as needed
  • Maintain accurate system data (lead times, MOQ, pricing)
  • Supplier Management
  • Build and manage supplier relationships and performance
  • Conduct supplier reviews and support corrective actions
  • Identify and onboard new suppliers to reduce risk and cost
  • Cost & Inventory Control
  • Control spend in line with budget and cash flow targets
  • Negotiate payment terms and identify cost-saving opportunities
  • Optimise stock levels and reduce working capital
  • Oversee stock takes, cycle counts, and discrepancy resolution
  • Financial & Cross-Functional Support
  • Provide cost data (pricing, forecasts, freight, duties) to Finance
  • Support standard costing and budgeting processes
  • Work closely with Production, Engineering, and NPI teams
  • Report purchasing performance to senior management
  • Compliance & Risk
  • Ensure ethical procurement and supplier compliance
  • Mitigate supply chain risks and maintain traceability
  • Support contingency planning for supply disruption




CRC Recruitment are a leading Midlands based recruitment consultancy covering vacancies across the UK. We have been established since 2003 and have a reputation for high service standards to both candidates and clients. We supply permanent or temporary staff to all areas of business covering a variety of different industry sectors.

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Location:
Northampton
Job Type:
FullTime
Category:
Business

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