Permanent

Purchasing Assistant

Salary: £28,000 – £29,000 | Location: Thame, UK (Hybrid: Office Mon-Thu, Home Fri)

Are you ready to take your procurement career to the next level? We’re looking for a Purchasing Assistant to join a dynamic team supporting local and international purchasing activities. This is your chance to play a key role in sourcing, supplier management, and process improvement across a growing organization.

Job Purpose

• Provide support and contribute to local purchasing activities, implementing key procurement strategies and contingency plans in line with organizational goals.

Job Context

• Report to the Site Purchase Manager, supporting activities in the UK and interactions with subsidiary companies globally.
• Role based in Thame, UK, with occasional travel to suppliers domestically and abroad.
• Achieve defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for procurement functions.
• Actively participate in operational teams on a daily basis.
• Undertake duties as required to maintain or improve procurement function and supplier relationship management.
• Support projects external to procurement, including continuous improvement, sustainability, and new product introduction initiatives.

Job Dimensions

• Outsourcing and component development for parts and new products.
• Vendor base management.
• Statutory documentation and master data maintenance in D365.
• Compliance with organizational procurement policies.
• Non-inventory (indirect) procurement support.

Key Accountabilities

• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and procedures.
• Assist in purchasing functions, including raising RFQs, preparing comparison statements, updating vendor trade agreements, maintaining approved vendors in D365, submission of price approvals, maintaining price logs, communicating prices to supply chain teams, raising OSRs for new parts, and quarterly price updates.
• Vendor onboarding documentation, arranging approvals, and maintaining records.
• Non-inventory purchasing: raising POs, expediting deliveries, monitoring overdue POs, monthly consumables, and tooling record management.
• Support annual maintenance contracts related to maintenance, facilities, and infrastructure.

Qualifications, Experience & Skills

• Understanding of procurement and purchasing principles.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems, preferably Microsoft Dynamics D365.
• Numeracy skills to interpret data and make commercial decisions.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment.
• GCSE-level numeracy and literacy (NVQ level 3 or above).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP systems.

Behavioral Competencies

• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for cross-department collaboration.
• Effective time management and multitasking abilities.
• Proactive problem-solving approach.
• Resilience and flexibility.

If you’re a proactive, detail-oriented professional ready to make an impact, we want to hear from you!

INDKD

Purchasing Engineer

Exciting opportunity for an experienced Purchasing Engineer to join a well-established and innovative manufacturing business in Thame!

Job Purpose

To Manage and Coordinate Purchase Functions at Site level in coordination with Global Procurement Guidelines and Objectives

• Develop and implement key procurement strategies, contingency plans and ensure that plans are aligned with business requirements.
• Develop long-term partnerships with suppliers. Monitor supplier performance to ensure meeting of service, cost, delivery and quality norms.
• Supplier relationship management to ensure mutually beneficial and stable business relationships are maintained.

Job Context

• This role supports UK-based operations while working closely with international teams and global subsidiaries.
• Based in Thame, the position may require occasional travel to supplier sites across the UK and internationally.
• Responsible for achieving agreed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) set by management.
• Operates as an integral member of the operational team, contributing to day-to-day procurement activities.
• Undertakes additional duties as required to maintain and enhance procurement processes and supplier relationship management.
• Provides support to cross-functional projects beyond procurement, including continuous improvement initiatives, sustainability programmes, and new product introduction.
• This is primarily an office-based role (Monday to Thursday), with home working available on Fridays.

Job Dimensions

• Outsourcing and Component Development for parts and new products introduced.
• Vendor Base Management
• Statutory Documentation
• Master data maintenance in D365 related to Procurement function
• Compliance with GPP
• Non-Inventory ( Indirect) procurement support

Key Accountabilities

These will include:

• Interfacing with cross functional departments for ascertaining procurement plans. Ensuring maximum cost savings. Co-ordination with Design, R&D, QA and Suppliers. Closely work with Global Purchase Team for Alternate Sourcing, support and participation towards all actions to ensure diversified supplier base
• New parts /Vendor development to help with new product introduction
• Negotiation and price finalization with suppliers for best possible prices and terms. Performing cost and scenario analysis, and benchmarking
• Drive & Implement Cost Reduction Projects/Monitor the progress and reporting it to business. Management Reporting on KPIs, Commodity Movement, Operations Reports, Purchase Volume and Corresponding Savings, BOS.
• Monitoring KPIs, performance of team members to ensure efficiency in operations and meeting of individual & group targets. Creating and sustaining a dynamic environment that fosters the development opportunities and motivates the high performance amongst the team members.
• Lead and Ensure Implementation of GPP and Compliance
• Monitor and control on D365 records that includes vendor registrations, VTA , Standard costs, Price Approvals as per DOA, Non-Inventory PO approvals and routine PR- PO management
• Monitoring, Review and Control of Non-Inventory Purchase/AMCs and related procurements, Price Negotiations, Contracting and Approvals as per GPP
• Review/Monitor – ECN Management
• Mod Meetings – Participation
• Review/Monitor – Price Variances
• Monitoring COPQ
• Scrap Rates Negotiations and Controls
• Regular Review and Control on Tooling Records, Approvals for Tool Agreement, Ensuring the Tool Payment and Tool Asset register
• Annual budgeting exercise by providing cost details and inputs on trends of material cost for the forthcoming year

Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

• Degree in Engineering, Professional Certification in Procurement and Supply chain or equivalent
• Understanding of the principles of Materials management
• Working Knowledge of MRP set ups
• Numeracy skills to interpret statistics and make commercial decisions
• Experience in a manufacturing environment

Advance Computer skills – specifically in Microsoft Office & AX Dynamics D365

Behavioural Competencies

• High level of communication skills, people management.
• Strong leadership skills with an ability to drive team’s performance.
• Planning and Organizational skills
• Proactive and positive (Can do) approach, innovative and customer focused.

INDKD

Join a forward-thinking and well-established manufacturing business at a key stage of growth. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Purchasing Manager in Thame to take ownership of procurement strategy, supplier performance, and cost optimisation within a dynamic, global-facing environment.

The Role

As Purchasing Manager, you will lead the site’s procurement function, driving sourcing strategies, supplier partnerships, and cost efficiencies. You’ll play a pivotal role in outsourcing and re-sourcing components and services, ensuring best-in-class supply chain performance aligned with long-term business objectives.

Working closely with global sourcing teams and cross-functional departments, you’ll influence key decisions around cost, quality, and supply continuity while leading and developing a high-performing purchasing team.

Key Responsibilities

* Leading the local team of the Purchasing Department
* Developing and implementing procurement strategies and contingency plans
* Rationalizing sources of supply for optimal efficiency
* Negotiating and finalizing supplier pricing and terms
* Coordinating with cross-functional teams (Design, R&D, QA, etc.)
* Supporting quality initiatives and vendor development
* Managing supplier relationships and performance
* Monitoring team KPIs and fostering a high-performance culture
* Overseeing QMS & EHS activities related to supply chain
* Driving cost reduction projects and reporting on KPIs
* Managing commodity risk and market dynamics
* Contributing to annual budgeting and cost forecasting
* Maintaining ERP records and vendor pricing
* Ensuring compliance with processes and identifying risks/opportunities
* Identifying and addressing team training needs

System Management & Reporting
* Timely submission of management reports
* Budgeting activities for the Production Department
* Oversight of D365 system activities

Health & Safety
* Promote a safe working environment and ensure compliance with H&S regulations
General Responsibilities
* Perform additional duties as required to enhance efficiency and service quality
* Adhere to company policies and maintain confidentiality

Key Competencies
* Strategic thinking and decision-making under pressure.
* Strong planning and MRP skills with attention to detail and deadlines.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
* Effective problem-solving and analytical capabilities.
* Leadership and team motivation skills.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP systems.
* Understanding of risk management and sustainability in supply chain operations

Minimum Qualifications:
* Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering
Experience:
* Minimum 10 years in sourcing/purchasing within a manufacturing environment
Technical Skills:
* Proficiency in ERP systems (preferably D365)
* Familiarity with electrical LV switchgear products
* Strong negotiation and analytical skills

Why Apply?

• Competitive salary of £60K-£65K + benefits
• Opportunity to shape and lead procurement strategy at site level
• Work within a globally connected organization
• High-impact role with real influence on cost, quality, and operations
• Supportive environment that values continuous improvement and innovation

INDKD

Exciting opportunity for an experienced Production Engineer to join a well-established and innovative manufacturing business in Thame!

As a Production Improvement Engineer, you’ll support production engineering initiatives, driving process improvements, system enhancements, and capital expenditure projects to boost efficiency across the site. You’ll work closely with the Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager, focus groups, and cross-functional teams, as well as engage with global engineering teams as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and implement process improvements across production and assembly areas
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, and Product teams to enhance manufacturing processes and work instructions
• Support Lean Six Sigma initiatives including Kaizen events and continuous improvement projects
• Drive Industry 4.0 adoption and innovative manufacturing solutions
• Cost new/existing products for successful implementation and capital expenditure submissions
• Implement, monitor, and improve Statistical Process Control (SPC) across site processes
• Support Design for Manufacture (DFM) improvements across the product range
• Raise and resolve problem reports to improve manufacturing systems, machinery, and tooling

What We’re Looking For

• Level 3 Management (CMI or equivalent) and Level 3 Engineering or equivalent
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt trained
• Experience with Industry 4.0 tools and techniques
• Strong project management skills
• Skilled in problem-solving tools such as Ishikawa, Five Whys, Pareto, DMAIC
• Full UK Driving Licence (or approved equivalent)

Location & Hours

• Based in Thame, with standard hours: Mon-Thu: 07:00-15:30, Fri: 07:00-12:00 (negotiable to suit the individual and business)
• Occasional UK travel and overseas site visits may be required

If you are passionate about continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and driving production excellence, this is the perfect opportunity to make an impact.

Apply today and join a team that’s shaping the future of manufacturing!

INDKD