Purchasing Administrator/Buyer

The Best Connection; Stafford; Hybrid; GBP 19,286 - 19,630; Full time

Job summary

The Best Connection is recruiting a Purchasing Administrator / Buyer to join a busy manufacturing business. You will support the procurement function, ensuring materials and components are available to meet production needs.

This role suits someone with purchasing or supply chain experience who can build supplier relationships, manage priorities, and work in a fast-paced environment. Hybrid working is available after training.

Qualifications

• Previous purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience.
• Manufacturing industry experience preferred.
• Strong communication skills, written and verbal.
• Excellent attention to detail and good numerical ability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Outlook.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems would be advantageous.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Confidence when dealing with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• CIPS qualification, or studying towards CIPS, would be beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of materials to support production requirements.
• Respond to material shortages and exception messages in line with production demand.
• Raise purchase orders and monitor supplier performance.
• Expedite overdue deliveries to minimise disruption to operations.
• Obtain supplier quotations and benchmark costs.
• Negotiate pricing and delivery terms with suppliers.
• Liaise with internal departments and external suppliers to ensure smooth procurement processes.
• Maintain accurate purchasing and supplier data within company systems.
• Process internal requests for consumables and miscellaneous items.
• Provide general administrative support to the Purchasing team.

Skills

Strong communication

Attention to detail

Numerical ability

Excel

Outlook

ERP/MRP experience

Problem solving

Multitasking

Supplier negotiations

Teamwork

Education

CIPS qualification

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Purchasing Administrator / Buyer

Salary: £14.00-£14.25 per hour (depending on experience)

Hours: 39 hours per week, Monday to Thursday, 7:00am - 5:15pm

Location: Hybrid working available following initial training period

Are you an organised and proactive purchasing professional looking to take the next step in your career? We are recruiting for a Purchasing Administrator / Buyer to join a busy manufacturing business, supporting the procurement function and helping to ensure materials and components are available to meet production requirements.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with previous purchasing or supply chain experience who enjoys building supplier relationships, managing priorities, and working within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of materials to support production requirements.
• Respond to material shortages and exception messages in line with production demand.
• Raise purchase orders and monitor supplier performance.
• Expedite overdue deliveries to minimise disruption to operations.
• Obtain supplier quotations and benchmark costs.
• Negotiate pricing and delivery terms with suppliers.
• Liaise with internal departments and external suppliers to ensure smooth procurement processes.
• Maintain accurate purchasing and supplier data within company systems.
• Process internal requests for consumables and miscellaneous items.
• Provide general administrative support to the Purchasing team.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Previous experience within a purchasing, procurement, or supply chain position.
• Manufacturing industry experience preferred.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Excellent attention to detail and good numerical ability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Outlook.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems would be advantageous.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Confidence when dealing with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• The ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• A CIPS qualification, or studying towards CIPS, would be beneficial.

What's on Offer?

• Competitive pay rate of £14.00-£14.25 per hour, depending on experience.
• 39-hour working week across four days, offering an excellent work-life balance.
• Flexible working arrangements available following the initial training period.
• Opportunity to work from home once established in the role, with site attendance as required.
• Supportive team environment within a well-established manufacturing business.
• Long-term career development opportunities.