Job Description:

Production Planning & Purchasing Manager

Location: Rochester, Kent
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 - 17:00

We are seeking an experienced Production Planning & Purchasing Manager to join a specialist engineering and manufacturing business. This is a varied role combining production planning, procurement, supplier management, inventory control, and continuous improvement activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage production schedules to meet customer delivery requirements.
• Manage purchasing activities for materials, components, and subcontract services.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, negotiating pricing and lead times.
• Oversee MRP activities, stock levels, and inventory accuracy.
• Coordinate import/export activities and freight arrangements.
• Work closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Finance teams.
• Drive improvements across planning, procurement, and stock control processes.

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience in production planning and purchasing within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of ERP/MRP systems.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Strong supplier management and negotiation skills.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience within low-volume, bespoke, or project-driven manufacturing environments.

Desirable

• Experience within specialist engineering, marine, offshore, cable, or other technically complex industries.
• Knowledge of machining, fabricated components, metals, polymers, or engineered assemblies.
• Experience managing import/export documentation and customs processes.
• CIPS, APICS, or other supply chain qualifications.
• Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience.
• Degree qualified in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related discipline.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Training and development opportunities.

Please note: Applicants must have permanent UK Right to Work. Occasional UK and overseas travel may be required.

CV's in word format to be sent to (url removed)

New Appointments Group, Expertly Matching Employers and Jobseekers since 1975.

Before submitting your CV, please take a moment to check the layout, spelling, and grammar. If your CV includes graphics or design features, we'd also appreciate a simplified version in Word format.

If this role isn't for you, please check out our website for other roles that may be suitable, or send us your CV, we would still like to hear from you! You can find us on our website or LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and x@nagrecruitment

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment in line with the Equality Act 2010. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. New Appointments Group acts as an Employment Agency for permanent roles and as an Employment Business for temporary roles.