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 01782 712230 or email MegW@kpir.co.uk

INDCOM