Purchasing Manager - Manufacturing

Job Title: Purchasing Manager
Location: Devens, MA
Website:
Group:

Who we are

Watson-Marlow is an industry-leading technology organization dedicated to engineering fluid management solutions for the life science and process industries. We support our customers in supplying critical products and services, from drinking water and medicines to food and paper. Our solutions help companies become more efficient, sustainable, and profitable.

Role Summary

As Purchasing Manager, you will oversee the site purchasing operations, including ethical sourcing and process management, aligning with WMFTS's sustainability and One Planet agendas. You will collaborate with purchasing and supply chain colleagues within Watson Marlow and Spirax Group to implement world-class supply chain and purchasing initiatives. Reporting lines will be to the WMFTS Global Purchasing Manager.

What you'll be doing

• Manage and support your team through effective leadership, including welfare, role clarity, objectives, and regular meetings and coaching.
• Negotiate supplier contracts and analyze purchasing data to optimize costs for materials and services.
• Drive continuous process and system improvements to add value and eliminate waste, focusing on manual routines and digital tools.
• Develop and align purchasing strategies with Group Purchasing, monitoring performance via KPIs.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring best practices.
• Maintain accurate supplier system parameters, including lead times, MOQs, and pricing; provide costing data for annual reviews.
• Ensure purchasing processes comply with legal standards, internal policies, and sustainability requirements.
• Promote innovation and automation in purchasing and supply chain processes through data analytics and root cause analysis tools.
• Support the wider Supply Chain team in improving departmental performance and aligning with business objectives.
• Oversee second sourcing strategies across products supported by the US manufacturing facility in Devens.

Skills/Experience

• Experience in purchasing within manufacturing, especially process industries, automotive, medical devices, aerospace, or electronics, is highly advantageous.
• Proven ability in negotiating contracts and analyzing purchasing data to optimize costs.
• Qualifications in Supply Chain, Business Management, or equivalent; experience-based qualifications are acceptable.
• Strong ERP system experience.
• Experience managing teams through change.
• Effective at building relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Total Cost of Ownership models and importation processes including taxes and duties.
• APICs or CIPS qualification is beneficial but not essential.

Benefits

• Retirement: 5% employer contribution to 401K plus 3% match.
• Parental Leave: 16 weeks at 100% pay, with a gradual return option.
• Time Off: Vacation, holidays, caregiver days, sick leave.
• Community Engagement: 3 paid volunteer days annually.
• Additional perks supporting well-being and growth.

Inclusivity & Equal Opportunity

We are committed to creating inclusive, equitable workplaces where everyone can thrive, respecting all backgrounds and identities. Watson-Marlow is an Equal Opportunity Employer, prohibiting discrimination in all employment practices.

Company Overview

We innovate in fluid technology, manufacturing peristaltic pumps and related products for the life sciences and process industries, part of Spirax Group, a FTSE100 company. Our mission is to create sustainable value and a more efficient world, serving diverse industries worldwide. We foster an inclusive culture where everyone can contribute and grow.