Associate Purchasing Specialist

PerkinElmer; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading scientific solutions provider is seeking an Associate Purchasing Specialist in Cambridge. The role involves supporting the purchasing process, managing vendors, and employing cost optimisation strategies. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree and experience in a team-based purchasing environment. Strong negotiation skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in Microsoft Office are essential. Join this dynamic team and contribute to effective purchasing solutions.

Qualifications

• Experienced in purchasing, order entry, and customer service.
• Skilled at managing multiple priorities across teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Review and process incoming purchase requisitions.
• Coordinate purchasing activities in a cost-effective manner.
• Negotiate with suppliers to ensure best value.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Vendor management

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

MS Excel

Job description

Associate Purchasing Specialist

Cambridge United Kingdom

We are seeking a highly organized, detail‑oriented and commercially driven Associate Purchasing Specialist to support the purchasing process for one of our key customers. This role combines strategic product selection with hands‑on purchasing, vendor management, and cost optimisation to support our business goals.

In this position, you will be responsible for selecting and purchasing goods and services including determining product type, quality, source, timing, pricing, and promotional plans.

Location: Cambridge, GB

Job ID: REQ-056275

Responsibilities

• Reviews, analyzes and processes incoming purchase requisitions
• Coordinates purchasing activities in a cost effective and timely manner
• Requests quotes from suppliers for a purchase of specific services
• Responsible for purchasing and procurement data input and integrity
• Performs cost analysis and volume planning for external services
• Monitors the cost and scope of suppliers to negotiate highest quality at best value
• Develops new supply sources where vendors and suppliers are no longer competitive
• May recommend cost saving proposals including alternative sourcing

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Experienced in purchasing, order entry, customer service in a team‑based environment
• Skilled at negotiation and vendor management
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including MS Excel
• Able to manage multiple priorities and work effectively across teams
• Detail-oriented, analytical, and commercially minded
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Organization and time management skills

Working Environment

• Office based (Cambridge, UK), 5 days per week (Monday to Friday)

PerkinElmer is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. PerkinElmer is committed to a culturally diverse workforce.