Purchasing Manager Monday Friday 7.30am-4pm (5 days on site) c.£40k-60k (negotiable, dependent on experience & skill set) bens Pearson Whiffin Recruitment are delighted to be working in collaboration with an established manufacturing business in West Kent in their search for a commercially minded purchasing professional. This role would suit an ambitious self-starter with a strong technical background working for a manufacturing or engineering SME within a relevant field (metal fabrication, automotive, building materials or construction manufacturing with a focus on metalworks). This role is set to develop for the right person, with key duties to include: Day to day responsibility for purchasing and procurement of materials, inventory management and supplier management Interpreting technical drawings and specifications Achieving continuous cost reductions whilst improving or maintaining quality and reliability through efficient relationship building, research and negotiation Working within a small team with a view to growth in the future Building fantastic relationships with raw materials and component suppliers, nationally and internationally Focused on real time demand efficient and lean purchasing, manufacturing and delivery reducing customer lead times and improving effectiveness and quality Purchasing stock ensuring effective inventory management Development of ERP system to ensure seamless processes Extensive data collation, interrogation and accurate reporting Developing relevant and up to date competitor insight and market research Develop and research new and existing supply chains Monitoring supplier performance in adherence to ISO 9001 Cost monitoring and saving Managing freight costs Proactively identifying and mitigating risks Problem solving All associated administration including raising purchase orders and maintaining pricing We are looking for An experienced Purchasing professional / Buyer from a technical manufacturing / engineering background in a relevant discipline - sheet metal, automotive, fabrication, HVAC Experience and knowledge of working within a manufacturing business who make metal-based products for use in the construction industry would be an advantage Experience of managing suppliers overseas and ensuring efficient lead times and best cost saving Good technical understanding/knowledge A bright, energetic personality Strong commercial understanding with examples of cost savings Excellent Excel skills Meticulous attention to detail Confident and calm, able to negotiate without being too 'bolshy' or 'bulldozing' Solid working history demonstrating reliability Ambitious, looking to make an impact long term 'Values led' personally Able to work on site 5 days without wanting hybrid working Whats in it for you? Working for an established business with a good reputation Opportunity and autonomy to make an impact Competitive salary Work with genuinely good people in a supportive, positive and collaborative team environment PROGRESSION This role could develop through to Director level for the right person If you meet the above criteria, please apply online for immediate consideration T his role is being handled by Emily Powell, Associate Director for Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Not quite the right role but still looking? Whether you are entry or Executive level, our team of experienced Recruitment specialists can help you with your career. We are Kents leading independent consultancy and pride ourselves on delivering an exceptional service to both candidates and clients. Find us on Facebook PearsonWhiffinRecruitment and Instagram PearsonWhiffinRecruitment. By working with us, you will be helping support charities across Kent; we have raised over £60,000 so far