Role: Purchasing Manager

Location of post: Magheralin

Role Purpose: The Purchasing Manager is responsible for overseeing the procurement of goods and services essential for the company’s operations. This role involves developing and implementing purchasing strategies, negotiating contracts, and managing supplier relationships to ensure the timely and cost-effective acquisition of quality materials. The Purchasing Manager plays a critical role in maintaining inventory levels, optimizing supply chain processes, and contributing to the overall financial performance of the organisation. By leveraging market insights and data analytics, the Purchasing Manager ensures that procurement activities align with the company’s strategic goals and compliance standards. This position requires strong analytical skills, effective communication, and a proactive approach to problem-solving to drive efficiency and innovation within the procurement function.

Accountable to: Head of Purchasing

Designated Deputy: Category Manager

Direct Reports: Category Managers, Purchasing Administrator

Responsibilities & Measures of Success:

Relationship Development

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with the company Senior Management team, working with function leads to deliver results through the team.
• Develop effective working relationships with the manufacturing plants teams, working with them to develop strong underpinning knowledge of operational processes.
• Liaise regularly and develop good communication links with subject matter experts from within the wider business.
• Develop an understanding and a strong relationship with key suppliers and logistics partners.

• Work collaboratively with the operations planning and supply chain team, ensuring that cross functional communication is effective and drives a positive outcome for the customer.
• Build a collaborative and effective working relationship with the Head of Purchasing, based on trust, integrity and accountability.
• Develop an effective working relationship with the HR team, in order to support team development and effective employee relations.

Operational Excellence

• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers.
• Negotiate contracts and terms with suppliers.
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure quality and reliability.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with organisational goals.
• Monitor market trends to identify opportunities for cost savings.
• Oversee inventory levels to ensure optimal stock without overstocking.
• Coordinate with other departments to forecast demand and manage supply chain.
• Analyse and manage procurement costs to ensure budget adherence.
• Implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with procurement activities.
• Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to procurement.
• Conduct regular audits and assessments of procurement processes.
• Budget management and ensuring cost-effective purchasing.
• Ensure that all purchased goods and services meet the required quality and ethical standards.
• Ensure that goods and services are delivered on time to support business operations.
• Hold suppliers accountable for their performance and adherence to contract terms.
• Ensure that procurement activities align with the overall strategic goals of the organisation.

People / Team

• Provide Leadership to the Purchasing Team providing direction, guidance and vision to support the achievement of business goals.

• Ensure a Management / Team Structure that effective supports the delivery of business and purchasing department goals.
• Ensure the Vision for the team is aligned to the business goals and is understood and supported by the whole team.
• Ensure the Values and Cultural Commitments of the Business are lived and breathed in all aspects of purchasing operations.
• Ensure responsibilities, accountabilities and expectations are set for and understood by all within the team, and that team members are motivated to succeed.
• Through effective leadership and communication, create an environment for everyone to contribute to the teams success, creating a feeling of real ownership in the business.
• Regularly hold and lead team meetings, feeding back all important information and taking ownership of relevant actions.

• Manage the allocation of accounts and workloads across the team.

• Development of the team through effective coaching and development plans supported by structured processes including regular one-to-one meetings.
• Set clear expectations on standards and performance for each member of the team, holding them accountable for delivery through clear action plans and reasonable execution timelines.
• When required actively participate in Employee Relations matters, including Investigation, Disciplinary, Grievance Hearing, and Appeal stages of formal processes, in line with HR guidelines and support.
• Lead communication to the team on companywide issues, news and status with a view to informing the team of the wider corporate context

Responsible Care

• Promote and support the development of an effective and pro-active safety culture within the office.
• Drive a focus on workplace safety, ensuring all activities are carried out in accordance with safe working procedures.
• Oversee the implementation of the Leprino Health & Safety policy to ensure the safety at work of all employees
• Act as an ambassador for the business at all times, behaving in a professional and courteous manner with both internal and external customers.
• Support the business in ensuring delivery of Corporate Social Responsibility commitments and ensure good relations are maintained with the local community
• Ensure equality of opportunity for all employees

Undertake any other duties as considered by the company to be within the scope of the role.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Physical

Essential:
No health issues likely to preclude employment in the dairy industry, nor exclude them from travel deemed necessary between sites and customers.

Qualifications and Training

Essential:

• Experienced in use of Microsoft Office packages and SAP interface.

Desirable:

• People Management and/or Leadership training.

• Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply.

Relevant Experience

Essential:

• 5+ years working in a similar role and at a similar level.

• Experience managing a team.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in the dairy industry.

Specialist Knowledge and Skills

Essential:

• Excellent numeracy skills

• Excellent communication skills

• Able to display initiative and problem-solving ability

• Very structured and organised approach to work

• Completer/Finisher in approach

• Ability to work to deadlines and prioritise effectively

• Positive attitude to learning

Qualities & Behaviours

Essential:

• Self-motivated

• Team player

• Adaptable

• Collaborative

• Effective at building and managing relationships