Purchasing Manager

JOB TITLE – PURCHASING MANAGER (18 MONTH FTC) LOCATION – LINCOLN SALARY – £50,000–£60,000 We are supporting a specialist engineering business in Lincoln as they stabilise and rebuild a critical procurement function. We’re recruiting a Procurement & Supply Chain Manager to lead a small team day‑to‑day, fix core processes within a niche, engineering‑led environment. THE ROLE This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced purchasing / supply chain professional who enjoys hands‑on team leadership and “getting the basics right” – structure, workflow, PO/quote turnaround and vendor management. You’ll step into a function and will provide clear direction, coaching and support to the Procurement team. Key responsibilities include: * Leading and coaching a small procurement team, providing day‑to‑day direction, support and performance management. * Mentoring the current Procurement team, taking pressure off and helping them rebuild confidence and capability. * Reviewing and improving core processes – requisition to PO, RFQs, expediting and supplier communication – to reduce quote and order turnaround times. * Driving basic structure and rhythm: daily/weekly huddles, clear priorities, visibility of workload and status. * Working closely with spares/after‑sales, engineering and finance to ensure purchasing activity supports operational and project requirements. * Managing and developing a niche supply base, often for legacy/low‑volume products and engineered components, including liaison with OEMs and specialist manufacturers. * Ensuring accurate records, documentation and system data across POs, supplier information and pricing. * Supporting compliance with group policies and contributing to ongoing process and systems improvements. WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR This role blends hands‑on procurement leadership with team coaching and process improvement. We’re looking for: * Proven experience in procurement / purchasing / supply chain management, ideally within a manufacturing, engineering or industrial environment. * Strong people management skills with a track record of stabilising or improving a struggling or under‑resourced team. * Comfortable operating in a “roll‑up‑your‑sleeves” environment, fixing basics and driving throughput as well as engaging with senior stakeholders.. * Solid understanding of end‑to‑end purchasing processes and supporting systems. * High level of emotional intelligence – empathetic, supportive style, able to handle sensitive situations and rebuild trust within a small team. * Clear, confident communicator who can build effective relationships with operations, engineering, finance and external suppliers. * Positive, pragmatic attitude with a focus on practical improvements and delivering results over an 18‑month period. This is a rare chance to take ownership of a key function, leave a lasting legacy and shape how procurement supports a highly specialist engineering business