Junior Buyer

JR United Kingdom; Bath; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A successful engineering firm in Bristol is seeking an Assistant Procurement Officer to manage purchase orders, supplier interactions, and support procurement functions. Ideal candidates will have strong IT skills and a proactive approach. The role offers a competitive salary of £32,000–£35,000 and opportunities for professional development within a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing funding for professional qualifications

Clear opportunities for career progression

Hybrid working model

Meaningful projects in commercial and defence sectors

Qualifications

• Strong MS Excel and general IT skills are essential.
• Proactive, meticulous, and organized approach needed.
• CIPS membership or willingness to work towards it is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Process purchase requisitions into purchase orders accurately.
• Assist in evaluating requests for quotation (RFQs).
• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers.

Skills

Strong MS Excel and general IT skills

Meticulous, proactive, and organised approach

Familiarity with MRP/ERP systems

Education

Degree-level education or working towards one

Tools

IFS

Job description

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Location: Bristol, England, United Kingdom (On-site with hybrid option)

Salary: £32,000–£35,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

Looking for a Career in Procurement .....This isn't just another JOB ....... This is a Game Changing Career Opportunity in Purchasing

CIPS Qualifications Supported

About the Company

Symmetric Recruitment Ltd is delighted to partner with a successful Bristol-based SME delivering critical engineering and manufacturing services to the commercial sector, the Ministry of Defence (MoD), and UK defence primes.

Recent contract wins have driven expansion, and the organisation is looking to strengthen its team with an Assistant Procurement Officer.

Why Join?

• Competitive salary between £32,000 and £35,000
• Ongoing funding for professional qualifications (e.g., CIPS)
• Clear opportunities for career progression within a growing team
• Hybrid working model (4 days on site, 1 day from home)
• Meaningful projects in both commercial and defence sectors

Role Overview

As an Assistant Procurement Officer, you will support the procurement and sourcing functions by handling purchase requisitions, managing supplier interactions, and ensuring the timely delivery of parts and services for engineering projects. This role offers autonomy within a close-knit team while providing mentorship and development opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Processing Purchase Orders: Convert purchase requisitions into purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Supporting RFQs: Issue and assist in evaluating requests for quotation (RFQs), helping to identify and recommend suitable suppliers.
• Supplier Coordination: Build and maintain relationships with suppliers, assisting in performance management and resolving supply bottlenecks.
• ERP/MRP System Maintenance: Update and manage data in the ERP system (ideally IFS), ensuring the order book remains accurate.
• Assisting Strategic Sourcing: Collaborate on strategic sourcing and contract negotiation efforts to optimise costs and delivery schedules.
• Tendering Support: Support tender processes and contribute to cost-saving initiatives across projects.

Who We're Looking For

• Strong MS Excel and general IT skills
• Meticulous, proactive, and organised approach
• Degree-level education (or actively working towards one) Desirable
• CIPS membership or willingness to work towards it is desirable
• Familiarity with MRP/ERP systems (IFS experience is an advantage)

What You’ll Gain

• Exposure to significant projects
• Opportunity to work within a supportive and dynamic team
• Funding for professional development and qualifications
• A clear pathway to progress to more senior roles

Location & Working Style

The position is based in central Bristol, with a hybrid setup (four days in the office and one day at home each week). You’ll be part of a team that values collaboration, quality, and professional growth, contributing to impactful projects for the UK’s commercial and defence sectors.

If you enjoy a fast-paced environment, seek opportunities for growth, and want to contribute to meaningful engineering projects, this Assistant Procurement Officer role could be the perfect fit for you.