Job Description

Purchasing Manager

This is your opportunity to help Sperrin Metal redefine what's possible in storage, delivering solutions that truly make life easier for our customers.

You will inspire change!

Reports to:

Managing Director

Location:

Draperstown, Northern Ireland - regular travel across the UK, Ireland & Europe

Department:

Operations

Contract:

Full time, permanent

Why Join Us?

At Sperrin Metal, we prioritise our employees and their well-being. We foster a company culture of positivity, respect, fun, and appreciation for every team member.

Welcome to Sperrin Metal

Sperrin Metal is a family-run, innovative manufacturer of bespoke storage & racking, where your ideas are valued and impactful to company growth. We are on an exciting journey to implement Lean thinking across all departments, striving to become the global benchmark for manufacturing excellence, pushing boundaries and redefining what's possible in our industry.

The Role

As Purchasing Manager, you will take ownership of Sperrin Metal's procurement and supply chain function, leading the purchasing of materials, components and services essential to our manufacturing operations. You will be responsible for developing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, improving purchasing processes and implementing systems to drive efficiency, cost control and reliability.

This role is a key part of our operational transformation, providing the opportunity to design and establish new purchasing standards and best practices that will shape Sperrin Metal's future success.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage all purchasing activities across Sperrin Metal, ensuring materials and services are sourced effectively, on time and to specification.

Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships, ensuring performance, quality and reliability.

Negotiate supplier terms, pricing and contracts to achieve best value and long-term partnerships.

Own the full inventory lifecycle and lead all purchasing and inventory activities, ensuring materials and services are sourced, received, stored and distributed efficiently, on time and to exacting standards.

Introduce structure and process into purchasing functions, standardising procedures and documentation.

Work closely with production, operations and finance teams to align material availability with production plans and customer deadlines.

Implement and utilise ERP/MRP systems to manage purchasing, stock control and supplier performance.

Analyse material usage, lead times and cost data to drive informed decision-making.

Source new suppliers and alternative materials where appropriate to improve competitiveness and supplier security.

Ensure compliance with health, safety, quality and environmental standards in all procurement activities.

Support the company's Lean and continuous improvement journey, identifying opportunities to eliminate waste, reduce costs and enhance process flow.

Identify, evaluate and implement opportunities to leverage AI and digital tools to improve business performance, streamline processes, enhance data-driven decision-making and drive innovation across the organisation.

Essential Criteria

Proven experience in purchasing or procurement management within a manufacturing environment.

Strong negotiation and supplier management skills with experience in contracts and cost control.

Commercial acumen with an analytical and data-driven approach to decision-making.

Experience introducing or improving purchasing systems, ideally within an ERP/MRP environment.

Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally across production, finance and management departments.

Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.

A self-starter who can take ownership of the purchasing function and drive continuous improvement.

Demonstrated awareness & experience using AI-driven tools or digital automation to enhance efficiency, reporting accuracy or business insight, with a willingness to lead future AI system improvements and adoption initiatives.

Desirable Criteria

Experience within the metal fabrication, racking or material handling industry.

Knowledge of Lean principles or experience working within a continuous improvement culture.

Experience developing and implementing new purchasing processes or strategies in a growing business.

Familiarity with sustainability and responsible sourcing practices.

Remuneration

A competitive package will be available to reflect the candidate's experience and the importance of this role to our long-term global growth ambitions.

Competitive salary (commensurate with experience).

Performance related bonus linked to individual and company targets.

Pension and company benefits package

Opportunities for professional development and training support.

Sperrin Metal DNA

At Sperrin Metal, we are passionate about growth, persistence and serving our customers and teams with heart. Our values promote a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging resilience when facing challenges and keep our customers at the heart of everything we do. By joining us you will help shape and strengthen our positive & dynamic workplace culture.

Part of a Global Vision - Tierco Group

As part of the Tierco Group, this role connects you with a network of companies including Seating Matters and Sperrin Metal - all sharing a passion for innovation, continuous improvement and world-class manufacturing.

You'll be part of a collaborative group environment, contributing to projects and initiatives that span across Tierco companies.

To apply for the above role, please email your CV with a short cover letter to careers@sperrin-metal.com

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 35,000.00-45,000.00 per year

Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: Sperrin Metal - Purchasing