Purchasing Manager

Role Purpose

The Purchasing Manager will lead procurement, supplier management, and supply chain coordination activities within a fast-growing engineering consultancy specialising in battery systems, charging systems, and electrification technologies for the marine, industrial, automotive, and defence sectors. The role is responsible for establishing and managing scalable purchasing processes to support engineering development, prototype builds, and low-to-medium volume production manufacturing of advanced battery packs (60V to 800V), charging systems, and associated electronics.

Working within a dynamic start‑up environment, the Purchasing Manager will play a key role in ensuring supply continuity, cost control, supplier quality, and operational readiness as the business grows. The successful candidate will work closely with engineering, operations, manufacturing, and programme teams to support the delivery of innovative electrification solutions from concept through production.

• Procurement & Supply Chain Management
  • Lead all purchasing and procurement activities across engineering, prototype, and production programmes. Source and manage suppliers for battery cells, electronics, HV components, mechanical parts, charging systems, manufacturing consumables, and engineering services. Develop and implement purchasing strategies aligned with business growth, operational needs, and programme delivery requirements. Establish procurement processes, supplier approval systems, and purchasing controls suitable for a growing organisation. Ensure timely procurement of materials and components to support engineering projects and manufacturing schedules.
• Identify, evaluate, negotiate, and onboard suppliers capable of supporting low‑volume/high‑mix electrification programmes. Develop strong supplier relationships to ensure quality, delivery performance, flexibility, and cost competitiveness. Monitor supplier performance through KPIs including delivery, quality, responsiveness, and cost management. Support supplier audits, supplier development activities, and risk mitigation strategies. Work closely with suppliers to resolve shortages, quality issues, and technical supply challenges.
• Cost Management & Commercial Support
  • Negotiate pricing, commercial agreements, lead times, and contractual terms with suppliers. Support cost reduction and value engineering initiatives in collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams. Monitor purchasing budgets and support financial forecasting activities. Analyse market trends, material availability, and supply risks affecting battery and electrification supply chains. Support quotation and programme costing activities by providing accurate procurement input.
• Engineering & Manufacturing Support
  • Work closely with engineering teams to support prototype builds and new product introduction (NPI) activities. Support BOM management, engineering change control, and configuration management processes. Coordinate procurement activities for prototype, pilot, and production manufacturing phases. Ensure materials traceability and documentation requirements are maintained where applicable. Support manufacturing continuity through effective inventory and supply planning.
• Inventory & Logistics Coordination
  • Support inventory management and stock control activities to balance availability with cash flow considerations. Coordinate inbound logistics and supplier deliveries. Monitor material shortages and proactively manage supply chain risks. Assist with implementation of ERP/MRP systems and procurement tracking processes.
• Quality & Compliance
  • Ensure purchased components and materials meet quality, technical, and regulatory requirements. Support supplier quality management activities in collaboration with quality and engineering teams. Maintain purchasing records, supplier documentation, and compliance information. Support procurement compliance activities relating to industry regulations, export controls, and customer requirements.
• Process Development & Continuous Improvement
  • Develop and improve procurement processes, systems, and reporting structures. Drive continuous…