Purchasing Lead

Filtronic is a global leader in the design and manufacture of advanced RF, microwave and millimetre-wave electronics. We support customers across defence, space and critical communications markets, delivering high-reliability solutions through engineering excellence and a collaborative, agile culture.

As we continue to grow, we are looking for an experienced Purchasing Lead to join our busy and fast-moving Supply Chain team.

The Role

Reporting to the Purchasing Manager, the Purchasing Lead will take ownership of a portfolio of key suppliers, managing supplier relationships and supporting the delivery of our operational and commercial objectives.

This is a key role within our purchasing function, working closely with Project Management, Engineering, Quality, Business Development and other stakeholders to ensure supplier performance meets the needs of the business.

You will be responsible for managing key supplier accounts, supporting supplier development and identifying opportunities to improve performance, value and supply chain resilience. You will also play an important role in developing our long-term procurement strategy and supporting future business growth.

We are looking for a confident and commercially minded negotiator who can build strong, long-term supplier relationships while constructively challenging suppliers to deliver better value and performance.

The role will support our UK sites and will involve travel to suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and manage relationships with key suppliers, acting as the primary point of contact for commercial and operational matters.
• Act as a lead purchasing contact for Project Managers on dedicated projects, providing input into project plans, reporting on material status and issuing works orders where required.
• Monitor and report supplier performance against agreed KPIs, driving continuous improvement and ensuring actions are followed through to completion.
• Identify supply chain risks, develop appropriate mitigations and proactively identify opportunities for improvement.
• Resolve commercial and operational supply chain issues in a timely and effective manner.
• Support the evaluation, due diligence and onboarding of new suppliers, including issuing NDAs and relevant onboarding documentation.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of Filtronic's long-term procurement strategy.
• Issue RFQs and RFIs in support of current business requirements and future demand.
• Conduct competitive tenders, analysing quotations and presenting recommendations to key stakeholders to support best-value supplier selection.
• Negotiate commercial terms and best-value outcomes for the business and support the implementation of agreed supplier terms.
• Capture relevant supplier export control information and highlight requirements to the wider business.
• Conduct supplier visits and produce clear and concise visit reports.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders across the business to understand demand, priorities and requirements placed on suppliers.
• Work closely with Engineering and Quality teams to resolve supplier-related issues and drive improvements in supplier performance.

Requirements

About You

You will have proven experience in a purchasing or procurement role, ideally gained within a manufacturing, engineering or electronics environment.

You will be commercially aware and comfortable negotiating commercial terms with suppliers.

We are looking for someone who can manage stakeholders across the wider business.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a procurement or purchasing role, ideally within manufacturing or electronics.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and running competitive tenders.
• Knowledge of supplier terms and conditions and commercial documentation, including NDAs.
• Experience onboarding new suppliers and managing key supplier accounts.
• Experience using ERP systems.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience managing stakeholders across the business.
• Eligible to work in the United Kingdom.

Benefits

Benefits include:

• 37.5 hour working week
• 25 days’ holiday plus public holidays, with the option to buy up to 5 additional days
• Contributory pension scheme with up to 8% company contribution
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection Insurance
• Save As You Earn (SAYE) share scheme
• Electric Vehicle (EV) scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Volunteering day
• Learning and development opportunities

Some benefits become available after successful passing of your probation period.

Filtronic plc is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or disability status. If you require any adjustments or accommodations to support you during the interview process, please let us know and we will be happy to assist.