Join One of the UK's Leading Engineering Manufacturers
UTS Engineering is one of the UK's leading manufacturers of pipeline repair, maintenance and specialist fabrication products, supplying the UK water, gas and industrial sectors. From emergency response fittings to complex fabricated pipework, coating services and bespoke engineering solutions, we pride ourselves on quality, innovation and exceptional customer service.
Due to our continued growth, we are looking to appoint an experienced Purchasing Manager who will play a key role in developing our supply chain, managing supplier relationships and ensuring materials are available to support a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious procurement professional who wants to influence business performance and become part of a growing engineering company with exciting plans for the future.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will be responsible for developing and managing the company's purchasing strategy, ensuring materials, consumables and subcontract services are procured at the right quality, cost and delivery performance.
You will work closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, Stores, Sales and Finance to ensure our manufacturing operations continue to operate efficiently whilst identifying opportunities to reduce costs, improve supplier performance and strengthen supply chain resilience.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement purchasing strategies that support the company's growth objectives.
- Source steel, ductile iron components, coatings, mechanical products, welding consumables, fabrication materials and engineering services.
- Negotiate commercial agreements, pricing, delivery schedules and contractual terms with UK and international suppliers.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships whilst continually assessing supplier performance.
- Raise and manage purchase orders through Sage 50, ensuring complete accuracy and traceability.
- Monitor supplier lead times and proactively manage potential supply chain risks.
- Work closely with Production Planning and Stores to maintain optimum inventory levels.
- Identify opportunities to reduce purchasing costs without compromising quality or delivery.
- Support supplier audits and work alongside the Quality Department to ensure purchased materials comply with engineering specifications and certification requirements.
- Ensure material certification, traceability and compliance documentation are obtained where required.
- Develop approved supplier lists and supplier performance scorecards.
- Produce regular purchasing reports covering expenditure, supplier performance, savings and stock trends.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives throughout the business.
What We're Looking For
The successful candidate will have:
- Minimum of five years' experience within a Purchasing, Procurement or Supply Chain Management role.
- Experience within engineering, steel fabrication, manufacturing or heavy industrial environments.
- Excellent commercial awareness with strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Experience purchasing engineering materials including steel, fabricated components, coatings or industrial products.
- Good understanding of inventory management and supply chain planning.
- Experience using Sage 50 or similar ERP/MRP systems.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills with strong analytical ability.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- Ability to work under pressure whilst managing multiple priorities.
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach with excellent attention to detail.
Desirable
- CIPS qualification or working towards CIPS.
- Experience within the UK Water, Utilities, Gas or Infrastructure sectors.
- Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality systems.
- Experience purchasing internationally and managing import logistics.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary (dependent upon experience).
- Company pension.
- Opportunities for professional development and training.
- Long-term career progression within a growing engineering business.
- Supportive and collaborative working environment.
- Opportunity to influence procurement strategy and make a real impact on business performance.
Work Location: In person
