Purchasing & Planning Manager

Purchasing Planning Manager – Manufacturing Sector

Location: Hailsham, East Sussex

Salary: Very Competitive (Full-Time, Permanent) - negotiable DOE.

Excellent benefits, including flexible hours - 37 per week.

25 days holiday + Bank Holidays - Private healthcare - Pension.

This is a key role for our client, to build and grow a new Purchasing/planning team. The position is very focused on manufacturing master scheduling / production scheduling / production planning.

Our client is a growing and fast-paced manufacturing business, and they are seeking a skilled and driven Purchasing & Planning Manager to lead its procurement and scheduling operations. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced supply chain professional to make a real impact in a thriving organisation.

About the Role

As Purchasing & Planning Manager, you will take ownership of the master production schedule, aligning factory output with customer requirements and supply chain capability. This role combines strategic procurement with hands-on production planning, requiring a confident leader who can manage resources, negotiate effectively with suppliers, and streamline operations to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery.

You’ll play a key part in identifying bottlenecks, forecasting capacity, and driving long-term improvements across the supply chain.

Key Responsibilities:

* Maintain and manage the master production schedule to meet customer deadlines.

* Coordinate raw materials, subcontract operations, and factory resources efficiently.

* Match customer demand with supply chain capacity, identifying any gaps early.

* Develop supplier performance through scorecards and regular reviews.

* Negotiate long-term supply agreements to mitigate price fluctuations and safeguard supply continuity.

* Deliver strategic procurement initiatives that reduce costs year-on-year.

Required Skills & Experience:

To succeed as a Purchasing & Planning Manager, you should have:

* At least 5 years of experience in procurement and production planning within a manufacturing setting.

* Strong knowledge of MRP systems and how they integrate with manufacturing operations.

* Proven team management experience.

* A structured, analytical approach and excellent attention to detail.

* The ability to prioritise and respond quickly to changing requirements.

* Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Desirable Attributes:

* A degree in a relevant field.

* At least 3 years of hands-on buying experience.

* Engineering knowledge, particularly machining and assembly processes, an advantage.

Qualifications:

* Minimum of 5 years planning experience.

* Minimum of 5 years management experience.

Personal Qualities:

* Excellent communicator with a practical, "can-do" attitude.

* Proactive and organised – capable of managing your own time and delivering results.

* A doer – someone who makes things happen and leads by example.

If you are a confident and capable planning/purchasing professional ready to make a difference, apply now with an up-to-date CV and take the next step in your supply chain career