As a Purchasing and Logistics Manager, you will lead, develop and continuously improve the purchasing and logistics functions at Michell Bearings, ensuring the effective procurement of materials and services, and the efficient management of logistics and stores operations to support manufacturing and project delivery.

The Purchasing and Logistics Manager will be responsible for improving cost, delivery performance and inventory control, ensuring the business is supported by a reliable and competitive supply base and efficient material handling processes.

The role will provide leadership across purchasing, logistics and stores activities, ensuring a structured and performance-driven approach aligned with operational and business objectives.

You will be accountable for supplier performance and development, management of supply-related risks, and the implementation of appropriate KPIs and processes to support continuous improvement.

The role will work closely with Operations, Engineering and Finance to ensure effective coordination of purchasing, material availability and logistics activities in support of business performance.

 

What you'll be doing

 

  • Lead and develop the purchasing, logistics and stores functions to ensure effective and reliable supply of materials to support manufacturing and project delivery.
  • Develop and implement purchasing strategies for key commodities including forgings, castings, Bought Out Complete (BOC). components and subcontract machining.
  • Manage supplier relationships, negotiations and agreements to deliver cost competitiveness, improved delivery performance and long-term supply stability.
  • Monitor and improve supplier performance through structured KPIs, reviews and development plans.
  • Ensure continuity of supply by identifying and managing risks including capacity constraints, quality issues and single-source dependencies.
  • Oversee logistics and stores operations, ensuring efficient goods receipt, storage, stock control and internal material flow.
  • Take accountability for inventory accuracy, control and working capital performance.
  • Ensure materials are available in line with production requirements and customer delivery commitments.
  • Work closely with Operations, Engineering and Finance to support planning, project delivery and business performance.
  • Provide visibility of supply issues, risks and constraints, supporting effective decision-making.
  • Define, monitor and improve key KPIs across purchasing and logistics, including delivery performance, inventory and supplier reliability.
  • Lead continuous improvement activities to reduce cost, improve efficiency and strengthen overall supply chain performance.
  • Lead, manage and develop the supply chain team, building capability and accountability across both strategic and operational activities.

 

Who we're looking for

 

The ideal candidate will use their proven knowledge, skills, and experience to develop and manage purchasing and logistics activities that support operational requirements. They will communicate and negotiate effectively with suppliers to achieve a competitive and reliable supply.

The role involves taking responsibility for both strategic and operational purchasing activities, as well as analysing data to identify and resolve supply and logistics issues. The successful candidate will work closely with other departments to support coordinated planning and delivery, while monitoring and reporting on key performance indicators. They will identify and implement cost-effective improvements and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement within a manufacturing environment. The role also requires resolving issues such as delivery delays or supply disruptions and supporting stakeholders in making effective supply-related decisions.

The candidate will demonstrate strong leadership with a structured and analytical approach. They will have a solid understanding of purchasing, logistics, and supply processes, along with knowledge of manufacturing environments and requirements. Competence in relevant systems and software, such as IFS or equivalent, is essential.

In addition, they will possess strong communication and stakeholder management skills, good organisational and planning abilities, a high level of attention to detail, and a proactive, problem-solving mindset.

Qualifications:

  • Degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business or a related field (or equivalent experience) desirable.
  • Professional qualification (e.g. CIPS) desirable.
  • Mandatory completion of a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check and preferably security clearance to UK SC level.
  • Full UK driving licence.
  • Ability and willingness to travel globally as required.
  • Knowledge or familiarity of forging, casting or machining processes would be highly advantageous.

 

Benefits

 

Wellbeing app (Employee Assistance Program)

Holiday buy & sell

Car scheme

Competitive pay

Enhanced pension

Training & development