Role: Purchasing Manager

Location: Knutsford, Parkgate Industrial Estate

Travel: Office based role with occasional travel to China

Technical Requirement: Mechanical Engineering background (essential)

About the Company

We are a family-owned global company that produces ultra critical valves for the world’s oil, gas and hydrogen industries, where exceptional quality and on time delivery is critical.

With operations spanning the UK, USA, Dubai, Malaysia and India, and a world-class Research & Development centre in Knutsford, we have ambitious plans to grow beyond our £100m turnover.

Our business model is to sub-contract our components, then assemble at our facilities in Knutsford and Chennai. Our culture is agile, entrepreneurial and decisive. There are no layers of bureaucracy, endless committees or slow-moving approval processes. We value common sense, accountability and action.

The Role

To strengthen our existing team, we are appointing a Purchasing Manager to take full accountability for our expansion into the Chinese market.

Reporting to the Global Purchasing Director, the successful candidate will manage a significant portion of a £50m spend in machine parts for our build programs in two state-of-the-art facilities in Knutsford and Chennai.

Key Responsibilities

Working in partnership with our China-based Supplier & Quality Development Engineer, you will take ownership of both the commercial and technical aspects of our supplier network, ensuring all components are delivered to the required standards for quality, cost and performance.

Your Priorities:

• China Supply Chain Development: Identify, assess and develop high-performing third-party machining suppliers across China, creating a robust, reliable and scalable supply base to support future business requirements.

• Technical Procurement: Apply your mechanical engineering and manufacturing knowledge to manage technically complex machined components, ensuring suppliers fully understand and consistently achieve our specifications and quality standards.

• Cost & Commercial Management: Lead supplier negotiations and continuously challenge the total cost of acquisition, identifying opportunities to improve margins and deliver sustainable cost reductions without compromising quality or performance.

Supply & Demand Optimisation: Align supplier capacity and component availability with production and build programmes, ensuring consistent and reliable supply to our assembly and testing facilities.

The Profile

• Senior management experience in mechanical engineering and procurement, with a proven track record in China, Europe, and India.

• Understanding of the machine shop environment—you know how parts are made, what they should cost, and how to spot a quality risk.

• Common sense, enthusiasm, and a "win-win" negotiation style are essential.

The Reward

This is a key appointment for a person with drive and ambition. We offer a highly attractive salary and fringe benefits package. Candidates must live within a one-hour commute of Knutsford.

Ready to lead our China strategy? Apply via our website today.