Full job descriptionWe’re looking for an experienced buyer who can negotiate hard, build supplier relationships, spot commercial opportunities and help run our business.
If you’ve worked in purchasing, enjoy variety, and like taking ownership in an SME, we want to hear from you
Purchasing & Business Operations Manager
Bacup, Lancashire
*Full-time, permanent
*Competitive salary dependent on experience
Please note: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and live within a 30-minute commuting distance of Bacup.
About us:
Established in 1917, Lancashire Sock Manufacturing Company is a specialist manufacturer supplying customers across the UK, Europe and beyond.
We’re a family-run business where people roll their sleeves up, solve problems and get involved. No two days are the same, and that’s exactly how we like it.
The role:
We’re looking for an experienced purchasing and business operations professional who can become a key part of our leadership team.
You’ll work closely with the owner and senior leadership team, supporting the day-to-day running of the business across finance, purchasing, administration and operations.
One day you might be negotiating with suppliers and reviewing purchasing costs. The next you could be producing management reports, supporting month-end accounts, working with our external accountants on year-end requirements, improving office systems or researching how AI can help streamline processes.
Purchasing is a major part of this role. You’ll take ownership of supplier relationships, commercial negotiations and procurement while also supporting the wider running of our owner-managed manufacturing business.
This role would particularly suit someone who’s worked in purchasing or procurement within manufacturing and enjoys the variety and responsibility that comes with working in a successful SME.
Key responsibilities:
*Lead all purchasing and procurement activities.
*Build strong supplier relationships and negotiate pricing and commercial agreements.
*Identify purchasing savings and improve supply chain performance.
*Monitor stock purchasing and supplier performance.
*Support the day-to-day administration and operations of the business.
*Maintain Sage accounts and payroll records.
*Support month-end reporting and year-end accounting processes.
*Produce management reports and Excel analysis.
*Support import and export administration.
*Improve business systems and processes.
*Research practical AI solutions.
*Support strategic planning with the owner.
We want to hear from you if you have:
*Significant purchasing or procurement experience within manufacturing or engineering.
*Experience negotiating with suppliers and managing commercial relationships.
*Worked in an owner-managed, family-run or SME business.
*Previously run their own business or held a broad commercial role with significant responsibility (highly desirable).
*Strong commercial awareness and the confidence to make decisions.
*Sage Accounts and payroll experience.
*Strong Excel and reporting skills.
*Experience improving business processes.
The successful candidate will:
*Have a background in purchasing or procurement.
*Enjoy working in an SME where everyone gets involved.
*Think commercially and naturally look for better ways of doing things.
*Have previously run your own business or understand what it takes to make a small business successful.
*Prefer making decisions rather than attending meetings.
*Want a role where you’ll genuinely influence how a business performs.
How to apply:
If you’re someone who thrives in a hands-on business environment and enjoys improving processes, solving problems and helping businesses run better, we’d love to hear from you.
You must be authorised to work in the UK. No agencies please.
Related job titles: Business Operations Manager, Operations Manager, Business Manager, Office Manager, Commercial Manager, SME Operations Manager, Finance and Operations Manager, General Manager, Purchasing Manager, Procurement Manager, Business Support Manager, Company Manager, Manufacturing Office Manager, Family Business Manager, Executive Assistant, Managing Director’s Assistant.