Assistant Buyer/Purchasing Administrator

Proactive Global; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading firm in procurement is seeking a Purchasing Administrator to cover maternity leave in Milton Keynes. The candidate will ensure continuity in purchasing operations, manage Purchase Orders, and maintain supplier relationships. Requirements include experience in purchasing administration, good ERP knowledge, and strong communication skills. This is a fixed-term contract with flexibility in start date.

Qualifications

• Previous experience of working within a purchasing administration role.
• Good knowledge of Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of ERP Systems is required.

Responsibilities

• Use ERP System to review buyer workbench daily.
• Raising, maintaining, and expediting Purchase Orders.
• Prepare pricing quotes for design, sales, and incoming freight.

Skills

Purchasing administration experience

Good knowledge of Word

Good knowledge of Excel

Good knowledge of Outlook

Knowledge of ERP Systems

Basic understanding of engineering drawings

Education

Looking to study CIPS

Tools

Epicor ERP System

Job description

Overview

This is a fixed-term position to cover a maternity leave, with the contract expected to end around mid-April 2026. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring continuity of service and support to the purchasing function during this period. As this is a temporary role, the candidate should demonstrate the ability to quickly integrate into the team and get up to speed with existing processes and systems.

Handover

The role will involve a handover period, during which the successful candidate will be trained on current workflows and procedures to ensure a smooth transition. End-of-Term Handover: towards the end of the contract, the candidate will be expected to hand over duties and ensure smooth knowledge transfer to the returning team member or a new hire.

Duration & Flexibility

Contract Duration: Fixed-term contract (maternity leave cover). Flexible Start Date: Ideally, candidates should be able to start as soon as possible to allow for a handover period.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities - Purchasing

• Use ERP System to review buyer workbench daily.
• Raising, maintaining and expediting Purchase Orders daily (stock and non-stock) as necessary.
• Prepare pricing quotes for design, sales, interco and incoming freight.
• Visit suppliers and maintain relationships.
• Maintaining part parameters, stocking levels, price lists etc. on ERP System.
• Notify and mitigate cost increases where possible.
• Creating of part numbers using the ERP System, as necessary.
• Prepare and review suppliers KPI's to improve delivery performance and stock valuation / availability.
• Reviewing and maintaining departmental training resources.

This is not intended as a complete or definitive statement of all duties or responsibilities of the job but as a record of the principal elements.

Professional / Vocational Qualifications or Specific Experience Required

• Previous experience of working within a purchasing administration role.
• Looking to study CIPS.
• Good knowledge of Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Knowledge of ERP Systems required, and Epicor is an advantage.
• Basic understanding of engineering drawings is an advantage.

Person Specification

• Confident with the ability to communicate with people at all levels with the Company and within its customer/supplier base.
• Strong administration skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent diplomatic communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task in a demanding / changing environment.
• Proactive, professional and committed to providing first class customer service.
• A positive "can-do" attitude, enthusiastic, hardworking, driven and a team player.

Proactive Global is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.

Proactive Global is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy