Purchasing Specialist Location: Stoke Hours: Monday to Friday - 9am - 5pm Salary: £35,000 per annum The role: We are looking for a Purchasing Specialist to join our well-known client Based in Stoke. You'll be responsible for managing procurement activities across raw materials, packaging, and indirect spend, ensuring supply continuity and cost efficiency. This is a fantastic opportunity for a CIPS-qualified professional with strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to supplier management. Main duties: Overseeing an annual budget of £65 million for raw materials, packaging, and finished goods, plus an additional £5 million for indirect procurement, this role encompasses a wide spectrum of strategic and operational duties, including: Managing day-to-day procurement activities to ensure timely sourcing of raw materials and packaging aligned with both production schedules and customer demand Interpreting material requirements planning (MRP) data to respond swiftly to shifts in supply and demand Maintaining close, daily coordination with production teams and suppliers to guarantee on-time delivery of essential materials Relaying critical supplier updates to customer service and sales teams to support seamless communication Keeping procurement systems and supplier databases up to date with accurate and current information Evaluating supplier performance metrics, including tracking and reporting on delivery issues and quality concerns Managing base oil pricing strategies and monitoring assigned quotas Producing forecasts for base oil demand and usage trends Collaborating with Commercial Division leadership and Research & Development on sourcing strategy Safeguarding supply chain continuity by mitigating single-source risks and securing reliable vendors Tracking and reporting monthly and annual base oil consumption Leading the approval process for onboarding new suppliers Maintaining and updating pricing structures across procurement systems Driving forward key procurement initiatives and contributing to strategic projects that support broader business goals About you: Ideal candidates will hold a CIPS qualification and bring proven procurement experience within a manufacturing setting Strong proficiency in IT systems and tools is essential Familiarity with SAP or similar ERP platforms is a significant plus Demonstrates exceptional accuracy and a sharp eye for detail Self-driven, well-organised, and capable of managing multiple priorities while consistently meeting deadlines Benefits: A competitive salary package complemented by a performance-linked bonus Generous holiday allowance exceeding statutory requirements Defined contribution pension plan to support your future Access to an Employee Assistance Programme for personal and professional wellbeing Ongoing training and development to help you grow in your career A collaborative and supportive team culture Option to join a discounted private healthcare scheme Free on-site parking for added convenience Interested? Call Meg on or email INDCOM