As the UK’s sole manufacturing facility within the Sharp global network, we have been at the forefront of developing and producing high-quality products and solutions for decades.
As a department manager, you are responsible for overseeing the effective and efficient management of all procurement activities. You are responsible for the management of purchasing operations, building strong supplier relationships, and supporting the development of cost-effective sourcing strategies. This role requires a proactive approach to continuous improvement, a strong understanding of procurement processes, and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to support business goals. You will play a central role in shaping our supply chain strategy and contributing to the overall success of the organisation.
Management:
- Develop and implement procurement strategies to ensure cost effective purchasing
- Manage supplier relationships and negotiate contracts, prices and timelines
- Ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements
- Monitor market trends and adjust procurement strategies accordingly
- Oversee the procurement process, including sourcing materials and services
- Manage a team of buyers, including performance management, absence management, recruitment, training, development, and performance appraisals
- Direct and control implementation of buying activities, in relation to the commodities allocated to everyone
Coordinate:
- Identify cost reduction objectives related to: -
o Total cost of parts per model and company target required for the fiscal period.
o Cost of each part, and the possibility of cost reduction through direct negotiation, value analysis, value engineering or competitive bidding.
- Preparation of cost tables for each group of models within their responsibility and identifying monthly progress towards the cost reduction target.
- Prepare and issue annual tool costs to HMRC for duty payment
- Directing, controlling and assisting buyers in identification of cost reduction targets, strategies and achievements.
- Coordinating value analysis and value engineering activity with Engineering.
- Placing of purchase orders through: -
o Weekly issue for production parts and daily issue for non-production/urgent items
o Tooling for new models
- Preparing and updating New Parts Schedule for new models to show scheduled dates for pilot runs, pre-production and mass production to meet the required schedules.
- Ensuring tooling, etc., is completed on time to meet new model schedules.
- Maintaining and Supervising implementation of purchasing procedures to ensure all purchasing activities are carried out in accordance with the latest issue of the purchasing procedures.
- Signing all purchase orders and bid tabulations where value requires it.
- Ensuring prompt action and correct implementation of: -
o Tool disposal authorisations
o Internal authorisations
o Engineering changes
o Invoice queries
o Requisitions
o Unregistered prices
o Order planning
o Purchase order summary report
o Purchase orders
o Vendor surveys
o Bid tabulations
o Acceptance and signature by all suppliers of SUKM conditions of contract.
o Financial analysis of vendor
o Non-disclosure agreements
o Tool mould and die agreements
o Purchase order acknowledgements
o Input forms
- Receive notice of order indications + firm orders + advise vendors and staff as necessary.
- Liaise with QC Department to ensure countermeasures are implemented to improve quality of parts from problem suppliers.
- Communicate with suppliers by phone, letter or e-mail.
- Hold weekly meetings with buyers to set objectives and review progress towards completion.
- Ensure completion of monthly vendor rating for price and delivery and receive monthly ratings on delivery performance (from Production Control) and quality performance (from QC) and make integrated report.
- In collaboration with key stakeholders, prepare purchasing element of the base price file to support corporate reporting and strategic planning in line with major events and cost changes.
- Preparation of cost down vendor performance and issue monthly report to SUKM finance department and Sharp Japan.
- Taking direct control of major negotiations to ensure the best outcome for the company.
- Engage with key stakeholders to ensure the effectiveness of purchasing activities through regular review and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Responsibility for updating customs commodity code master list to ensure imported parts meet government legislation
- Verify and process correct payment amounts to the warehousing sub-contractor in accordance with agreed terms.
Skills:
- Strong leadership skills to motivate management and staff to work towards a common goal.
- Demonstrates excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey strategic decisions to management, customers, suppliers, and partners. Strong verbal and written communication, active listening, empathy, and the ability to provide constructive feedback are essential.
- Makes sound, strategic decisions under pressure, taking full responsibility for outcomes. Remain calm in challenging situations and consistently applies logical thinking to drive results.
- Be socially responsible and consider the needs of the environment you operate within.
- Inspire and motivate teams to work collaboratively toward shared goals.
- Highly organised, with strong reporting and documentation skills.
- Analytical thinker with proven problem-solving capabilities.
- Effective multitasker, able to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
- Skilled negotiator, adept at building and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.
- Experienced in cost and category management, with strong strategic sourcing expertise.
Because of the changing nature of our business, your job description will inevitably change. You will, from time to time, be required to undertake other activities of a similar nature that fall within your capabilities as directed by management.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From £50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Canteen
- Company car
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Life insurance
- Private medical insurance
- Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Wrexham LL12 0PG: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person
