Purchasing Assistant

A well-established UK engineering and manufacturing business is seeking a Purchasing Assistant to join its busy procurement team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with purchasing experience who is looking to develop their career within a fast-paced manufacturing environment, supporting the procurement of materials, components and services.

The Role

Working closely with the Buyer and Operations team, you will be responsible for supporting the purchasing function to ensure materials, components and services are sourced efficiently, cost-effectively and delivered on time.

Key responsibilities include:

• Negotiating prices and supplier discounts
• Raising, progressing and expediting purchase orders
• Purchasing raw materials, engineering components, electrical parts, consumables, subcontract services and capital equipment
• Managing service contracts and responding to equipment breakdown requirements
• Monitoring stock levels and maintaining appropriate inventory
• Reviewing reorder levels and quantities
• Liaising with Stores to investigate and resolve stock discrepancies
• Assisting with stock takes and stock reconciliations
• Attending weekly production/progress meetings and providing updates on outstanding deliveries
• Communicating delays to internal stakeholders to minimise project disruption
• Obtaining competitive quotations and negotiating best value from suppliers
• Identifying alternative suppliers where required
• Maintaining accurate supplier and product databases
• Checking supplier acknowledgements and chasing overdue deliveries
• Ensuring purchasing records, costs and part descriptions remain accurate
• Supporting quality processes by ensuring purchase orders are completed correctly and working alongside Stores and Logistics to improve quality controls.

About You

The successful candidate will have:

• Previous experience within a purchasing or procurement role
• Engineering or manufacturing buying experience would be highly advantageous
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy
• Good negotiation and communication skills
• The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• A proactive approach to problem solving and supplier management.