Procurement Assistant

First Recruitment Group; West Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a Procurement Assistant located in Stafford. The successful candidate will support critical procurement processes, ensuring high quality and timely supplier interactions. With 1-3 years of experience in procurement, you will be involved in key responsibilities such as managing non-conformances and supporting logistics. This role offers on-site work with potential for remote work one day per week, and travel across the UK and Europe may be required.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years’ experience in a Procurement / Purchasing role, direct materials preferred.
• Understanding of logistics, ideally with import experience.
• Knowledge of procurement best practices and industry trends.

Responsibilities

• Support Engineering & Quality functions in expediting critical documentation.
• Process Non‑Conformances in the appropriate systems.
• Assist the Procurement Lead in expediting the return of repaired components.
• Monitor supplier progress and build relationships.

Skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Problem-solving

Education

1–3 years’ experience in Procurement / Purchasing

Tools

SAP

Job description

Be the driving force behind supplier performance—keeping quality high, deliveries on track, and procurement moving across the UK and Europe.

Procurement Assistant

Stafford

Working Hours: 08:00 – 16:30

Job Type: On-site role -1 day working from home possible (Friday, rota basis)

IR35 Status: Inside IR35

Travel Required: Yes (UK & Europe)

Driving Licence: Required

Role Summary

The Procurement Assistant will support Engineering, Quality, and Sourcing teams by coordinating supplier‑related activities, managing non‑conformances, expediting documentation and materials, and supporting import and logistics processes. The role requires strong coordination, supplier interaction, and attention to quality, delivery, and cost targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Actively support Engineering & Quality functions in expediting critical documentation.
• Coordinate supplier deviation requests from specifications (NCP), assessing impact on Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) targets.
• Process Non‑Conformances (NC) in the appropriate systems and maintain Smartsheets.
• Coordinate all NCP/NCR activities and ensure timely return of material to suppliers.
• Assist the Procurement Lead in expediting the return of repaired components.
• Support the Sourcing team with Claim Management (COPQ) related to supplier delays or quality issues.
• Support issuing of contractual letters to suppliers in line with quality issues.
• Monitor supplier progress and build relationships, including supplier visits when required.
• Complete the online Import Process for all imports where the company is responsible for customs clearance.

Desired Profile

• 1–3 years’ experience in a Procurement / Purchasing role (direct materials preferred).
• Understanding of logistics, ideally with import experience.
• Knowledge of procurement best practices and industry trends.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and procurement systems (SAP).
• Strong communication, influencing, and networking skills.
• Commercial awareness (payment terms, warranty, liquidated damages).
• Dynamic, flexible, and proactive problem‑solver.
• Confident relationship builder vitória with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to present information clearly and respond to questions at all organisational levels.
• Willingness to travel across Europe as required.

Performance Measurement

• Accuracy and timeliness of reporting.
• Adherence to global processes and IT tools for expediting.
• Compliance with integration principles, both in spirit and letter.

Sector: Commercial, Admin & Office Support

As part of putting people first, we strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is i