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Purchasing & Planning Manager – Manufacturing Sector
Location: Hailsaham, East Sussex
Salary: Competitive (Full-Time, Permanent)
Are you ready to take the next step in your career? A growing and fast-paced manufacturing business is seeking a skilled and driven Purchasing & Planning Manager to lead its procurement and scheduling operations. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced supply chain professional to make a real impact in a thriving organisation.
About the Role
As Purchasing & Planning Manager, you will take ownership of the master production schedule, aligning factory output with customer requirements and supply chain capability. This role combines strategic procurement with hands-on production planning, requiring a confident leader who can manage resources, negotiate effectively with suppliers, and streamline operations to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery.
You’ll play a key part in identifying bottlenecks, forecasting capacity, and driving long-term improvements across the supply chain.
Key Responsibilities:
* Maintain and manage the master production schedule to meet customer deadlines.
* Coordinate raw materials, subcontract operations, and factory resources efficiently.
* Match customer demand with supply chain capacity, identifying any gaps early.
* Develop supplier performance through scorecards and regular reviews.
* Negotiate long-term supply agreements to mitigate price fluctuations and safeguard supply continuity.
* Deliver strategic procurement initiatives that reduce costs year-on-year.
Required Skills & Experience:
To succeed as a Purchasing & Planning Manager, you should have:
* At least 5 years of experience in procurement and production planning within a manufacturing setting.
* Strong knowledge of MRP systems and how they integrate with manufacturing operations.
* Proven team management experience.
* A structured, analytical approach and excellent attention to detail.
* The ability to prioritise and respond quickly to changing requirements.
* Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Desirable Attributes:
* A degree in a relevant field.
* At least 3 years of hands-on buying experience.
* Engineering knowledge, particularly machining and assembly processes, an advantage.
Qualifications:
* Minimum of 5 years planning experience.
* Minimum of 5 years management experience.
Personal Qualities:
* Excellent communicator with a practical, "can-do" attitude.
* Proactive and organised – capable of managing your own time and delivering results.
* A doer – someone who makes things happen and leads by example.
If you are a confident and capable Purchasing & Planning Manager ready to make a difference, apply now with an up-to-date CV and take the next step in your supply chain career