Assistant Buyer

Todd Hayes; Tetford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Todd Hayes Ltd in Thetford is seeking an Assistant Buyer to join a fast-moving manufacturing environment. You will support the Purchasing Manager, raise and process purchase orders, and help source reliable suppliers while striving for cost-effective procurement.

This full-time role offers opportunities to grow within purchasing and collaborate across Production, Stores, Engineering and Accounts. Based in Thetford, the role requires strong organisational and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a purchasing, procurement, or buying role.
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Support the Purchasing Manager by ensuring materials, goods, and services are procured efficiently and cost-effectively to meet business requirements
• Raise and process purchase orders accurately and in a timely manner.
• Obtain quotations from suppliers and compare pricing and lead times.
• Monitor supplier delivery schedules and follow up on outstanding orders.
• Liaise with suppliers regarding order acknowledgements, delivery dates and shortages
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and supplier information within company systems.
• Assist with stock control and inventory monitoring to ensure adequate stock levels are maintained.
• Support the resolution of invoice discrepancies and supplier queries in conjunction with the Accounts Department.
• Ensure purchasing documentation is accurately maintained and filed on system.
• Work closely with Production, Stores, Engineering, and Accounts departments to ensure purchasing requirements are met.
• Research and source alternative suppliers where required.
• Assist in monitoring supplier performance and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and procurement processes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the purchasing department.
• Undertake any other duties as reasonably required by the business.

Skills

Purchasing experience

ERP/MRP knowledge

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

MS Office proficiency

Time management

Team collaboration

Education

CIPS Level 4

GCSE English/Maths

Job description

Assistant Buyer

Our client, a well-established, hugely successful and growing manufacturing company based in Thetford, are currently seeking a Buyer to join their team.This is a full time permanent position.

Working Hours

Full-time 37.5 hours, Monday to Friday 08:30 to 17:00, 1 hour for lunch unpaid

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Previous experience in a purchasing, procurement, or buying role.
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Purchasing Manager by ensuring materials, goods, and services are procured efficiently and cost-effectively to meet business requirements
• Raise and process purchase orders accurately and in a timely manner.
• Obtain quotations from suppliers and compare pricing and lead times.
• Monitor supplier delivery schedules and follow up on outstanding orders.
• Liaise with suppliers regarding order acknowledgements, delivery dates and shortages
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and supplier information within company systems.
• Assist with stock control and inventory monitoring to ensure adequate stock levels are maintained.
• Support the resolution of invoice discrepancies and supplier queries in conjunction with the Accounts Department.
• Ensure purchasing documentation is accurately maintained and filed on system.
• Work closely with Production, Stores, Engineering, and Accounts departments to ensure purchasing requirements are met.
• Research and source alternative suppliers where required.
• Assist in monitoring supplier performance and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and procurement processes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the purchasing department.
• Undertake any other duties as reasonably required by the business.

Desirable

• Experience within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• The ability to read and understand basic engineering drawings.
• Understanding of stock control and inventory management.
• Experience in supplier negotiation.
• CIPS Level 4
• GCSE (or equivalent) Grade 4/C or above in English and Mathematics.

The Role

The Business is looking to recruit an Assistant Buyer who has already established a good understanding and competence of the buying process and is looking to expand and grow their expertise in a fast-moving engineering environment. The role offers, the right applicant, the opportunity to progress their career by expanding their knowledge and gaining further experience, in line with the company’s growth, into a role with more responsibility within the purchasing department.

Todd Hayes Ltd is an equal opportunities employer.