We are recruiting on behalf of our client for a Purchasing Specialist. The role works closely with production, planning, engineering, quality and finance teams to ensure materials are available on time, to specification, at the right cost and in line with production schedules. This position is key to maintaining continuity of supply, reducing risk, improving supplier performance and supporting efficient manufacturing output. Based in Chesterfield

Key Responsibilities

· Source and purchase raw materials, bought-in components, machined parts, fabricated items, consumables, tooling, subcontract services and production-related equipment.

· Review engineering drawings, bills of materials, routings, technical specifications and quality requirements to ensure purchased items meet manufacturing needs.

· Convert MRP requirements and production demand into accurate purchase orders, ensuring alignment with build plans, stock levels and customer delivery schedules.

· Negotiate supplier pricing, lead times, payment terms, minimum order quantities and supply agreements to support cost control and material availability.

· Expedite outstanding orders, manage shortages and work proactively with suppliers and internal teams to minimise disruption to production.

· Identify, evaluate and develop suppliers capable of meeting technical, quality, delivery and commercial requirements within a manufacturing environment.

· Monitor supplier performance against cost, quality and delivery targets, escalating risks and supporting corrective actions where required.

· Maintain accurate purchasing data, including supplier records, pricing, lead times, order acknowledgements, certificates, compliance documents and audit trails.

· Support inventory control by helping to reduce excess stock, obsolete materials, long lead-time exposure and avoidable production delays.

Required Skills and Experience

· Previous experience in purchasing, procurement, buying or supply chain within a manufacturing, engineering or production environment.

· Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, bills of materials, technical specifications and manufacturing documentation.

· Good understanding of manufacturing processes such as machining, fabrication, assembly, finishing, subcontract operations or component supply.

· Strong negotiation, supplier management and commercial awareness, with the ability to balance cost, quality and delivery.

· Excellent communication skills with the ability to work across production, planning, engineering, quality, stores and finance teams.

· A qualification in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, engineering, manufacturing or a related technical discipline is desirable.

· A technical background in mechanical engineering, manufacturing, fabrication, machining, production or industrial operations would be beneficial.

· Experience with manufacturing systems such as ERP, MRP, SAGE, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Epicor or similar would be advantageous.

What’s in it for you –

• Temporary to Permanent role
• Pay £36 -£40K
• Full time, office hours (8am – 4pm)