Purchasing Manager

Company Overview

Briarwood is a leading manufacturer and supplier of fibre cement roofing sheets, metal roofing, cladding, and insulated panels in the UK. As a family-owned British business since 1978, we are committed to supporting the agricultural sector with high-quality products and efficient supply chain solutions.

Purpose of role

Working for our Italian business but based within our UK offices the Purchasing Manager is responsible for managing the procurement of goods, materials, and services required by the business to ensure operational efficiency, cost control, quality standards, and continuity of supply. The role involves developing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, monitoring stock and purchasing performance, and supporting overall business objectives through strategic purchasing activities.

Responsibilities

· Manage the day-to-day purchasing and procurement activities of the business.

· Source, negotiate, and purchase materials, products, and services at the best possible price and quality.

· Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and key stakeholders.

· Monitor supplier performance including quality, delivery, pricing, and service levels.

· Negotiate contracts, payment terms, rebates, and supply agreements.

· Ensure continuity of supply and minimise supply chain disruption risks.

· Work closely with operations, production, sales, and finance departments to forecast purchasing requirements.

· Monitor inventory levels and coordinate stock replenishment.

· Analyse purchasing data and market trends to identify cost-saving opportunities.

· Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies and procedures.

· Resolve supplier issues including delivery delays, shortages, quality concerns, and invoice discrepancies.

· Prepare and manage procurement budgets and cost reports.

· Identify and onboard new suppliers where appropriate.

· Maintain accurate purchasing records and documentation.

· Support sustainability and ethical sourcing initiatives where applicable.

· Lead and develop purchasing or procurement team members if applicable.

Knowledge/Skills

Essential

· Strong negotiation and communication skills

· Commercial awareness and cost management ability

· Excellent organisational and planning skills

· Analytical and problem-solving capability

· Supplier relationship management

· Attention to detail and accuracy

· Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

· Strong IT and ERP/MRP system knowledge

· Team leadership and people management skills

· Understanding of supply chain and inventory management principles

· Previous experience in a purchasing, procurement, or supply chain role

· Proven experience negotiating with suppliers

· Strong knowledge of purchasing processes and stock control

· Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel

· Experience using ERP/MRP purchasing systems

Desirable

· CIPS qualification or working towards CIPS accreditation

· Experience within manufacturing, construction, roofing, or industrial sectors

· Management or supervisory experience

· Multi-lingual capabilities are desirable, particularly European languages

If you feel like this could be just the change for you, or you are simply interested to know more, please apply with a covering letter.

Pay: £30,000.00-£45,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person