Purchasing Manager (15m FTC)

TL;DR

Purchasing Manager (15m FTC) (Manufacturing Procurement): Leading purchasing operations for an established manufacturing organisation with an accent on supplier performance, cost control, inventory optimisation, and purchasing team management. Focus on improving stock turns, managing supply chain risks, maintaining accurate procurement processes, and resolving complex supplier and operational challenges.

Location: Onsite role based near Middlesbrough, United Kingdom; occasional travel to suppliers may be required. Fixed-term contract for 12–15 months, covering maternity leave, with an August 2026 start preferred.

Company

hirify.global is a recruitment organisation partnering with manufacturing and procurement employers.

What you will do

• Lead, supervise, and support the purchasing team in achieving departmental goals and performance targets.
• Work with the Operations Management Team to align purchasing activity with operational requirements.
• Manage purchasing quality, costs, delivery timelines, non-manufacturing purchases, and company margin performance.
• Improve stock turns and control overstock and slow-moving inventory through accurate system data, stock levels, lead times, and order quantities.
• Maintain purchasing manuals, work instructions, processes, KPIs, and supplier performance monitoring tools.
• Own the supply chain risk register, resolve supplier escalations, and maintain effective internal and external stakeholder relationships.

Requirements

• Experience in the manufacturing sector.
• Purchasing management experience, including at least two years managing people.
• Proven negotiation, supplier relationship management, and contract management experience.
• Familiarity with ERP systems.
• Strong leadership, adaptability, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel to suppliers when required.

Nice to have

• CIPS qualification or progress toward CIPS certification.

Culture & Benefits

• Early finishes on Fridays.
• 7% employer pension contribution.
• 24 days of holiday plus bank holidays.
• Purchase holiday scheme and birthday holiday.
• Enhanced sick leave and a healthcare cash plan.