Purchasing Manager – Engineering & Manufacturing Location: Grantham, Lincolnshire Salary: £40,000 – £45,000 depending on experience Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:15am – 5:00pm; Friday, 8:30am – 12:30pm Contract: Permanent, Full-time Working arrangement: Site-based The Opportunity We are recruiting on behalf of an established UK engineering and manufacturing business seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to take responsibility for its procurement function. Operating within a busy manufacturing environment, you will play a key role in ensuring production has a reliable and cost-effective supply of materials, components and services while maintaining the required standards for quality and delivery. This is a hands-on purchasing position requiring strong commercial awareness and the ability to develop effective relationships with suppliers in both UK and international markets. The role will involve sourcing a variety of engineering materials and manufactured components, which may include ferrous and non-ferrous castings, engineering bar and plate, electrical laminations, pressed and laser-cut components, alongside indirect goods and services. Key Responsibilities Manage day-to-day purchasing activities to ensure materials and components are available in line with production requirements. Develop and implement effective sourcing strategies focused on cost, quality, delivery performance and continuity of supply. Identify cost-saving opportunities and support continuous improvement initiatives across the purchasing function. Source, evaluate and develop suppliers across UK and international markets. Negotiate pricing, lead times, contractual terms and wider commercial agreements to achieve best overall value. Build productive, long-term relationships with strategically important suppliers and monitor their ongoing performance. Work collaboratively with Production, Engineering/Technical and Quality teams to support existing products and New Product Introduction (NPI) programmes. Monitor commodity, supplier and wider market developments to identify potential supply chain risks and opportunities. Support appropriate stockholding and inventory levels through effective use of MRP and stock management systems. Proactively address supply issues to minimise disruption to manufacturing operations. Ensure procurement activities comply with internal procedures, relevant customs and HMRC requirements, and responsible sourcing expectations. Undertake supplier visits, including overseas travel where required. About You To be successful in this position, you will ideally have: Previous experience in a Purchasing Manager, Procurement Manager or similar purchasing role within a manufacturing or engineering environment. Experience sourcing engineering materials, components or subcontracted manufacturing services. Strong supplier negotiation and commercial management capabilities. The ability to analyse purchasing data and identify opportunities for cost reduction and improved supplier performance. Good knowledge of MRP, ERP or stock management systems. Experience working closely with production, engineering and quality functions. A practical understanding of supply chain risk, inventory management and manufacturing requirements. Confidence dealing with both UK-based and international suppliers. Strong communication, organisation and stakeholder management skills. A CIPS qualification, or progress towards MCIPS, would be advantageous but is not essential. What's on Offer The successful Purchasing Manager will receive a salary of £40,000 – £45,000, dependent on experience, together with benefits including: 25 Days Holiday + BH Life insurance Free on-site parking Casual dress environment Early finish on Fridays This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced purchasing professional to take ownership of a varied procurement remit within an established engineering and manufacturing environment.