Assistant Buyer - Materials and Services

MWH Treatment Limited; Hattersley; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading procurement firm in Hattersley is seeking an Assistant Buyer to support procurement activities across defined spend categories. The role involves assisting with sourcing, supplier coordination, and governance. Ideal for someone early in their career, this position offers exposure to category management and strategic sourcing within a high-performing team.

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic and proactive approach to learning.
• Awareness of construction materials, logistics, or regulated industries.
• Interest in ESG, ethical sourcing, and sustainable procurement.

Responsibilities

• Support the team with administrative tasks and purchase order management.
• Assist in gathering procurement requirements from project teams.
• Help prepare and issue tender documents and evaluate supplier responses.
• Contribute to commercial negotiations under guidance.
• Maintain accurate records of procurement activities.

Skills

Customer-centric approach

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Basic understanding of procurement principles

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Education

A levels or T Levels in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement

Job description

Due to increased workload, we are expanding our Central Procurement team to maintain high standards of governance, efficiency, and strategic alignment. As part of this growth, we are recruiting an Assistant Buyer, based at our Hattersley office, with hybrid working available.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone early in their procurement career to gain exposure to category management, supplier engagement, and strategic sourcing within a supportive and high‑performing team.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Senior Buyer, the Assistant Buyer will support procurement activities across defined spend categories. The role will involve assisting with sourcing, supplier coordination, data analysis, and procurement governance. You’ll work closely with experienced buyers and stakeholders to develop your skills and contribute to value delivery across projects.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement Support

• Support the team with administrative tasks and purchase order management.
• Assist in gathering procurement requirements from project teams and stakeholders.
• Help prepare and issue tender documents (e.g., RFQs, ITTs) and evaluate supplier responses.
• Contribute to commercial negotiations under guidance.
• Maintain accurate records of procurement activities and supplier agreements.
• With guidance proactively manage committed costs.

Supplier Coordination

• Support supplier onboarding.
• Monitor supplier performance and escape issues as needed.
• Ensure suppliers meet Health & Safety and ESG requirements.
• Help manage supplier calendars and engagement activities.

Governance & Process Improvement

• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and procedures.
• Assist in maintaining clean data within the P2P system.
• Support internal audits and reporting requirements.
• Promote ethical and sustainable procurement practices.

Reporting & Development

• Prepare basic reports on procurement activities and performance.
• Represent the procurement team professionally in internal meetings.
• Engage in training and development opportunities to build procurement knowledge.
• Stay informed on industry trends and best practices.

Essential Skills

• Customer‑centric approach with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Enthusiastic and proactive approach to learning.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Basic understanding of procurement principles.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Demonstrates the company's core values and behaviours.

Desirable Skills

• A levels or T Levels or coursework in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, or related field.
• Awareness of construction materials, logistics, or regulated industries.
• Interest in ESG, ethical sourcing, and sustainable procurement.