Purchasing Manager

About the Opportunity

We are proud to be partnering with one of the UK’s leading electrical component stockholders and distributors as they continue to invest heavily in their operations, supply chain, and product range.

This is a long‑established, highly respected organisation supplying OEMs, panel builders, industrial automation businesses, MRO operations, and specialist engineering clients across the UK and internationally.

Due to continued expansion and increased demand, our client is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead their procurement function, drive supplier performance, and ensure the business maintains its reputation for exceptional availability and service.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a procurement professional with strong technical purchasing experience to step into a strategic, high‑impact role within a growing and forward‑thinking business.

The Role

Working as part of the senior operations team, the Purchasing Manager will take full responsibility for procurement strategy, supplier relationships, and inventory optimisation. You will manage a small but capable team and work closely with sales, finance, and warehouse operations to ensure a streamlined and commercially driven supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Oversee sourcing, negotiation, and supplier selection across a wide range of electrical components.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with UK, European, and global suppliers-including Far East sourcing where relevant.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, rebates, and service agreements to maximise margin and secure competitive advantage.
• Conduct regular supplier reviews and ensure consistent performance against KPIs.

Inventory Optimisation & Forecasting

• Maintain optimal stock levels across a high‑SKU product portfolio.
• Analyse sales forecasts, historical data, and market trends to make informed purchasing decisions.
• Minimise stockouts, obsolescence, and slow‑moving items through proactive planning.
• Support the development of improved stock management processes and system efficiencies.

Commercial & Operational Leadership

• Lead and mentor the purchasing team, ensuring clarity, accountability, and continuous development.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align purchasing strategies with sales opportunities and operational needs.
• Provide regular reports and insights to senior management on market conditions, supplier performance, costs, and risks.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance procurement efficiency and overall business performance.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a candidate who can demonstrate:

Experience & Technical Skills

• Proven experience as a Purchasing Manager, Senior Buyer, or Procurement Lead within electrical distribution, electronics, engineering supply, or similar technical environments.
• Strong understanding of electrical components, technical product ranges, or engineered products.
• Skilled in negotiation, supplier management, and contract discussions.
• Confident with ERP/MRP systems and comfortable working with complex data sets.

Personal Attributes

• Commercially astute with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• A proactive, hands‑on leader who can balance strategic thinking with day‑to‑day operational responsibilities.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced, growing business with high customer expectations.

What’s in It for You?

• Competitive salary package
• Performance-related bonus opportunities
• Pension and benefits
• Career progression in a highly successful, expanding organisation
• A supportive, collaborative culture with real scope to influence business strategy

How to Apply

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious purchasing professional to join a leading name in the electrical distribution sector. To apply, please submit your CV quoting job reference 10331.