Buyer/Purchasing Assistant

Insignis Talent; Poole; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Purchasing Assistant to join their dynamic supply chain team. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to enhance supplier relationships, optimize inventory levels, and support customer satisfaction. You'll be involved in negotiating terms, managing data in ERP systems, and ensuring efficient material management. With a focus on continuous improvement and development, you'll play a key role in implementing supply chain strategies and driving performance. If you're passionate about procurement and eager to make a difference in a collaborative environment, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

25 Days Holiday plus Bank Holidays

Pension Contribution

Life Assurance

Private Medical Cover

Income Protection

Employee Assistance Programme

Option to work during Christmas Period

Qualifications

• Experience in a buyer/purchasing role.
• CIPS Qualified, or working towards qualification.
• Proven track record of driving improvements with suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Manage supplier relationships and improve performance.
• Maintain system data and optimize inventory levels.
• Prepare RFQs and negotiate terms with suppliers.

Skills

Supplier Management

Inventory Optimization

Negotiation Skills

SAP

ERP/MRP Systems

Microsoft Office

Education

CIPS Qualification

Tools

SAP

Job description

Purchasing Assistant

Location: Poole, Dorset

Role Type: Full-time, permanent

Hybrid Working: 3 Days onsite

Reporting to: Supply Chain Manager

Role Profile

A great opportunity has risen for a Purchasing Assistant to join their supply chain team. In this role, you will be responsible for delivering high-levels of performance by optimising inventory levels, effective supplier management and supporting our servicing teams to meet customer expectations.

Main Responsibilities

• Ensure system data is effectively maintained, re-order policies are appropriate and MRP demand signals are interpreted to support efficient management of required materials.
• Effectively manage supplier relationships driving improved supplier performance, including supplier visits within the UK and overseas
• Prepare Request for Quotations (RFQ’s) and negotiate terms with potential suppliers
• Maintain SAP workflow tasks accordingly
• Work with Planning team to maintain optimised inventory levels whilst maximising performance to customers.
• Request order confirmation from suppliers and ensure they meet requirements and terms
• Expedite orders with suppliers and coordinate issuing of delivery schedule priorities.
• Action Quality Rejects and Quality Investigation Reports in a timely manner by liaising with suppliers and the quality personnel
• Action goods receipt discrepancies and queries in a timely manner by liaising with suppliers and the goods-inwards personnel
• Action invoice discrepancies and queries in a timely manner by liaising with suppliers and the finance personnel
• Participate in negotiations, secure capacity and forecasting
• Support the Supply Management function to record and monitor KPI’s to optimise supply chain performance in support of spares and production requirements
• Communicate progress and escalate recurring issues to key stakeholders
• Support other team members with regards to escalation of progressing issues with suppliers
• Maintain safe working practises for self and others in accordance with the Company’s policy on Health and Safety

Development Responsibilities

• Monitor, record and issue supplier “On Time Delivery” performance and support with the creation of action plans for improvement for under achieving suppliers
• Keep management aware of the Strategic performance level by monitoring and reporting status.
• Support implementation of Supply Chain Strategy, develop and maintain purchasing tools in line with Corporate and business requirement.
• Implement where appropriate LEAN principles to improve efficiency in the supply chain areas of the business. A mix of direct support, training and coaching will be required to achieve this across the various departments.

Person Specification

Experience in a buyer/purchasing role

• CIPS Qualified, or working towards qualification
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (SAP)
• Working in a manufacturing, engineering or technical environment
• Proven track record of driving improvements with suppliers – cost, quality, delivery.
• Strong IT skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office
• Hands-on buying experience, with ability to work under pressure

Working Hours

• 37.5 hours per week
• 08:00-16:45 (Monday-Thursday), 08:00-12:30 (Fridays)

Benefit Package

• 25 Days Holiday, plus bank holidays (32 total)
• Option to work or use holiday over the Christmas Period
• Pension Contribution; 3% employee, 8% employer
• Life Assurance – 4x annual salary
• Private Medical Cover
• Income Protection
• Employee Assistance Programme