Purchasing Manager

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 help our customers supply critical products and services that range from fresh drinking water and therapeutic medicines to food products and paper. Our solutions help companies become more efficient, sustainable, and profitable.

Role Summary

As Purchasing Manager, you will be responsible for the site purchasing operation, including ethical sourcing, purchasing processes, and adherence to WMFTS sustainability and One Planet agendas. You will work with purchasing and supply chain colleagues within Watson Marlow and Spirax Group to deliver world-class supply chain and purchasing initiatives. You will report to the WMFTS Global Purchasing Manager.

What you'll be doing

1. Ensure the success of your team through effective line management, including welfare, roles & responsibilities, objectives, and regular meetings and 1-2-1s. Support with skill development, coaching, and mentoring.
2. Negotiate contracts with suppliers and analyze purchasing data & trends to optimize cost efficiency for materials and services.
3. Drive continuous improvement in key processes and systems to support the team, including manual routines and digital tools, focusing on improving the Purchasing Cycle.
4. Work with Group Purchasing to develop and align purchasing strategies, measuring QCD performance through PI & KPIs.
5. Build effective relationships with internal and external customers and suppliers, ensuring best practices are maintained.
6. Maintain supplier system parameters, including lead times, minimum order quantities, and pricing, and provide costing for annual cost roll.
7. Ensure purchasing processes comply with legal standards and internal policies, including anti-bribery, corruption, and sustainability requirements.
8. Drive innovation and automation in purchasing and supply chain processes, developing data analytics and root cause analysis tools.
9. Support the wider Supply Chain team to improve departmental performance through collaboration and relationship building.
10. Oversee second sourcing strategies across products supported by the US-based manufacturing facility in Devens.

Skills/Experience

1. Purchasing experience in manufacturing, especially process industries, automotive, medical devices, aerospace, or electronics, is highly advantageous.
2. Experience negotiating contracts and analyzing purchasing data to optimize costs.
3. Qualification in Supply Chain, Business Management, or equivalent, or qualified by experience.
4. Strong ERP experience.
5. Experience managing a team through change.
6. Proven ability to maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
7. Knowledge of Total Cost of Ownership models and importation processes, including taxes and duties.
8. APICs or CIPS qualification is advantageous but not essential.

At Watson-Marlow, we offer a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, parental leave, generous time off, community engagement opportunities, and more. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive.