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.

The Role

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.

You will:

* 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

What We’re Looking For

* 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

Leadership & Working Style

* 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

Why Join Them?

* 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