Assistant Buyer

Procurement Heads; Northampton; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading procurement organization near Northampton is seeking an ambitious Assistant Buyer to join their successful team. You will support procurement activities, managing supplier relationships and assisting in cost-saving initiatives. The ideal candidate has some experience in buying or procurement and strong numerical skills. This position offers a competitive salary between £30,000- £35,000, based on experience.

Qualifications

• Some experience in buying, procurement or supply chain in relevant sectors.
• Comfortable working in Excel and other data tools.
• Effective verbal and written communication with suppliers and teams.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Support Buyers in procurement, managing orders and supplier communications.
• Maintain product and supplier data in procurement systems.
• Monitor inventory levels and assist with stock planning.
• Research new suppliers and assist in negotiations.
• Handle purchase order processing and invoice reconciliation.
• Prepare reports on spending, supplier performance, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Ensure product compliance with required standards.
• Liaise with internal teams to coordinate deliveries.

Skills

Experience in buying or procurement

Strong numerical and data abilities

Good communication skills

Highly organised and detail-oriented

Team player with independent work capability

Job description

Overview

Procurement Heads are looking to recruit an ambitious Assistant Buyer to join a successful procurement team near Northampton.

This organisation is a leader within their B2B industrial consumables sector. Due to internal progression they are looking for an Assistant Buyer to support the team of Buyers.

This is an excellent opportunity to build upon your current procurement skills in a high pace and innovative environment where you will learn about international procurement.

Based in Northamptonshire – 3 days a week

Conveniently situated just off the A43, within easy reach of Northampton and Milton Keynes

Salary £30,000- £35,000 Depending on experience

Role Purpose

To support the Buying & Procurement team in sourcing, managing, and maintaining product supply for key categories. The Assistant Buyer will ensure delivery of stock, manage supplier relationships, help secure competitive pricing, maintain accurate product and supplier data, and contribute to cost saving and efficiency improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Senior / Category Buyers in procurement of goods and supplies: placing purchase orders, confirming delivery schedules, tracking progress, and managing supplier communications.
• Maintain and update product, supplier, and pricing data in ERP / procurement systems and internal records.
• Monitor inventory levels for assigned categories; flag reorder points, and help with stock planning to avoid overstocking or stockouts.
• Assist with supplier discovery: research new suppliers, request quotations, evaluate product options, and support negotiation for price, terms, lead times.
• Manage administrative tasks: purchase order processing, invoice reconciliation, documentation, and ensuring compliance with internal policies.
• Prepare regular reports and insights: spending, supplier performance, price variance, and opportunity areas for cost savings.
• Support quality, compliance, and product specification issues (e.g. ensure products meet required standards or material specifications).
• Liaise with internal stakeholders (sales, operations, logistics, finance) to coordinate deliveries, resolve issues, and ensure product availability aligns with business needs.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Some experience in buying / procurement / supply chain; could be from retail, industrial, distribution, or related sectors.
• Strong numerical / data abilities; comfortable working in Excel and other data tools.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written), able to deal with suppliers and internal teams.
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, able to prioritise work and manage multiple tasks under deadlines.
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team.