Purchasing Specialist

Purchasing Specialist

Permanent

33,000.00 - £37,000.00 per annum

Days

Southport

Are you a commercially minded Purchasing / Buying Specialist who thrives in a manufacturing environment where supplier performance, material flow and cost control really matter?

We’re looking for a proactive, hands-on Purchasing Specialist to work closely with our clients Manufacturing Manager and play a critical role in ensuring materials, parts and sub-assemblies are sourced, controlled and delivered to support efficient, on-time production.

This is a key position within our clients operation, offering real ownership of supplier relationships, material planning and continuous improvement activity.

As Purchasing Specialist, you’ll take responsibility for the end-to-end purchasing and materials management process, ensuring supply continuity, cost control and operational excellence across the factory.

• Identify, assess and onboard new suppliers in line with defined procedures
• Manage preferred suppliers, driving performance, quality and cost improvement
• Lead supplier engagement in continuous improvement and cost reduction initiatives
• Coordinate supplier first article and first production sample approvals
• Raise and manage quotations, purchase orders and call-offs for materials, parts and sub-assemblies
• Use the MRP system to forecast demand, control inventory and maintain optimal stock levels
• Oversee goods receipt, identification, storage and material presentation to production lines
• Investigate and resolve purchase ledger and invoice queries promptly
• Control stock accuracy across raw materials, WIP and finished goods, including month-end counts and reconciliations
• Manage non-conforming materials, supplier returns and system updates
• Control supplier costs, identify savings and communicate lead-time or cost risks clearly

• Strong experience in purchasing, materials management or supply chain within a manufacturing environment
• Solid understanding of modern purchasing, supplier development and materials planning principles
• Commercially aware with the confidence to negotiate and challenge suppliers
• Comfortable working with MRP / ERP systems and inventory control processes
• A clear communicator who can work effectively across production, quality, finance and logistics
• A practical problem-solver with a continuous improvement mindset
• Organised, resilient and able to manage multiple priorities under pressure

• Fair, consistent and professional when dealing with conflict or performance issues
• Listens to operational teams and values shop-floor insight
• Builds trust and positive working relationships
• Plans and prioritises work effectively to meet production and business targets
• Supports colleagues through clear communication and on-the-job guidance

• A role with genuine influence on cost, delivery and production performance
• Close collaboration with manufacturing leadership
• Opportunity to drive supplier improvement and lean initiatives
• Stable, structured manufacturing environment with clear processes
• Chance to contribute directly to business improvement projects and measurable KPIs

To be considered for this position, please send us your CV ASAP by applying to this advert