Purchasing Manager
UK
Vacancy listed 02/06/2026
Application deadline 17/07/2026
Details
Role Purpose:
The Purchasing Manager will lead procurement, supplier management, and supply chain coordination activities within a fast-growing engineering consultancy specialising in battery systems, charging systems, and electrification technologies for the marine, industrial, automotive, and defence sectors.  The role is responsible for establishing and managing scalable purchasing processes to support engineering development, prototype builds, and low-to-medium volume production manufacturing of advanced battery packs (60V to 800V), charging systems, and associated electronics. Working within a dynamic start-up environment, the Purchasing Manager will play a key role in ensuring supply continuity, cost control, supplier quality, and operational readiness as the business grows.  The successful candidate will work closely with engineering, operations, manufacturing, and programme teams to support the delivery of innovative electrification solutions from concept through production.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Procurement & Supply Chain Management 
    • Lead all purchasing and procurement activities across engineering, prototype, and production programmes. Source and manage suppliers for battery cells, electronics, HV components, mechanical parts, charging systems, manufacturing consumables, and engineering services. Develop and implement purchasing strategies aligned with business growth, operational needs, and programme delivery requirements. Establish procurement processes, supplier approval systems, and purchasing controls suitable for a growing organisation. Ensure timely procurement of materials and components to support engineering projects and manufacturing schedules. 
  • Supplier Management 
    • Identify, evaluate, negotiate, and onboard suppliers capable of supporting low-volume/high-mix electrification programmes. Develop strong supplier relationships to ensure quality, delivery performance, flexibility, and cost competitiveness. Monitor supplier performance through KPIs including delivery, quality, responsiveness, and cost management. Support supplier audits, supplier development activities, and risk mitigation strategies. Work closely with suppliers to resolve shortages, quality issues, and technical supply challenges. 
  • Cost Management & Commercial Support 
    • Negotiate pricing, commercial agreements, lead times, and contractual terms with suppliers. Support cost reduction and value engineering initiatives in collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams. Monitor purchasing budgets and support financial forecasting activities. Analyse market trends, material availability, and supply risks affecting battery and electrification supply chains. Support quotation and programme costing activities by providing accurate procurement input. 
  • Engineering & Manufacturing Support 
    • Work closely with engineering teams to support prototype builds and new product introduction (NPI) activities. Support BOM management, engineering change control, and configuration management processes. Coordinate procurement activities for prototype, pilot, and production manufacturing phases. Ensure materials traceability and documentation requirements are maintained where applicable. Support manufacturing continuity through effective inventory and supply planning. 
  • Inventory & Logistics Coordination 
    • Support inventory management and stock control activities to balance availability with cash flow considerations. Coordinate inbound logistics and supplier deliveries. Monitor material shortages and proactively manage supply chain risks. Assist with implementation of ERP/MRP systems and procurement tracking processes. 
  • Quality & Compliance 
    • Ensure purchased components and materials meet quality, technical, and regulatory requirements. Support supplier quality management activities in collaboration with quality and engineering teams. Maintain purchasing records, supplier documentation, and compliance information. Support procurement compliance activities relating to industry regulations, export controls, and customer requirements. 
  • Process Development & Continuous Improvement 
    • Develop and improve procurement processes, systems, and reporting structures. Drive continuous improvement initiatives across purchasing and supply chain operations. Support operational scalability and process standardisation as the business grows.
Qualifications, Experience and Skills Required:
  • Degree, HNC/HND, CIPS qualification, or equivalent experience in Purchasing, Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations, or related discipline. 
  • Minimum 5+ years’ experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain roles within engineering or manufacturing industries. 
  • Experience sourcing technical or electro-mechanical components. 
  • Strong commercial negotiation and supplier management skills. 
  • Experience working within prototype or low-volume manufacturing environments.
  • Good understanding of supply chain management and inventory control principles. 
  • Strong organisational and project coordination skills. 
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management capability. 
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. 
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Qualifications, Experience and Skills Preferred:
  • Experience within battery systems, EV, electrification, automotive, marine, aerospace, defence, or industrial sectors.
  • Familiarity with lithium-ion battery supply chains and HV electrical components. 
  • Experience sourcing battery cells, electronics, PCBAs, wiring harnesses, connectors, or charging system components.
  • Experience working within start-up or rapidly scaling technology businesses. 
  • Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and procurement software.
  • CIPS qualification advantageous. 
  • Understanding of supplier quality processes and manufacturing traceability requirements. 
  • Experience with international suppliers and global supply chains. 
  • Familiarity with import/export requirements and supply chain compliance.
Role specific knowledge:
  • Procurement and supply chain management principles
  • Battery pack and electrification component supply chains. 
  • Lithium-ion battery technologies and associated components. 
  • High-voltage electrical systems and supporting hardware. 
  • Prototype and low-volume manufacturing operations. 
  • BOM management and engineering change processes.
  • Supplier qualification and supplier performance management.
  • Inventory control and material planning. 
  • Commercial negotiation and cost management. 
  • Supply chain risk management and continuity planning.
  • Manufacturing traceability and quality requirements. 
  • ERP/MRP systems and procurement reporting.
 Personal Attributes:
  • Commercially aware with strong negotiation capability. 
  • Highly organised and detail-oriented. 
  • Proactive and solutions-focused mindset. 
  • Adaptable and comfortable operating in a fast-paced start-up environment. 
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills. 
  • Collaborative and team-oriented approach. 
  • Self-motivated with strong sense of ownership and accountability. 
  • Calm under pressure with ability to manage changing priorities. 
  • Analytical thinker with strong problem-solving capability. 
  • Passion for electrification, engineering innovation, and operational excellence.  
 Location and Travel:
  •  You must be eligible to work in the UK and have no restrictions for world-wide travel. We are unable to offer Visa sponsorship. 
  • This role is based at our Head Office in the UK, with flexibility for remote working up to 2 days a week. 
  • Working hours are 09h00 to 17h00, 5 days a week, however some travel is expected, and flexible working patterns are essential to the role.
Equal Opportunities Statement
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, or background.
apply