Purchasing Assistant

Hydrachem Limited; Billingshurst; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading manufacturer of water purification products is seeking a Purchasing Assistant for a part-time, fixed-term maternity cover position. Responsibilities include purchasing materials, processing orders, and monitoring stock levels. The ideal candidate will have prior purchasing experience and strong communication skills. This role offers competitive compensation and a health and wellbeing programme.

Benefits

Comprehensive training and support

Health and wellbeing programme

Free onsite parking

Qualifications

• Previous purchasing experience is preferred.
• Ability to work to deadlines and prioritise work.

Responsibilities

• Support the Purchasing Manager to purchase materials and ancillary items.
• Process routine orders for office supplies in line with company procedures.
• Monitor stock levels and ensure timely replenishment.

Skills

Good level of conversational and written English

Highly numerate

Fully PC literate

Good communication and teamwork abilities

Experience of working in a manufacturing environment

Organised and methodical

Job description

Job Details

Job title: Purchasing Assistant

Location: Billingshurst, West Sussex

Salary: £26,200-£30,000 pa pro rata

Job type: part time (full time considered) fixed term (maternity cover) contract.

Work Pattern: Part time (20 hours per week, Monday to Friday mornings). Hours are negotiable. Full time hours will also be considered for the right candidate.

Overview

We are a dynamic and innovative small to medium sized business, established in Billingshurst in 1973. We are one of the World's leading manufacturers of water purification and disinfection tablets, supplying government organisations, charities and prominent retailers with our lifesaving products. Our commitment to quality and sustainability drives our success, and we are looking for a dedicated and detail oriented Purchasing Assistant to provide fixed term (nine months) Maternity cover.

Job Description

As Purchasing Assistant you will support the Purchasing Manager to purchase materials and ancillary items in a timely manner to operate the business. Full training will be provided however previous purchasing experience is preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• To ensure that all physical areas of responsibility are safe for personnel and that correct standards of safety, quality, housekeeping and hygiene are communicated and maintained.
• Understanding business processes and quality standards, and the need to adhere to them.

Support the Purchasing Manager with

• Processing routine orders for sundries, office supplies, and other consumables in line with company procurement procedures.
• Monitoring stock levels and usage patterns to ensure timely replenishment of essential items.
• Liaising with approved suppliers to obtain quotes, confirm availability, and place orders.
• Tracking deliveries and follow up on delayed or incomplete shipments.
• Maintaining accurate records of purchases, delivery notes, and supplier communications.
• Responding to internal requests for sundries and supplies, ensuring prompt and efficient service.
• Ensuring compliance with internal purchasing policies and procedures.
• Identifying opportunities for cost savings or improved supplier terms.
• Provide annual leave and sickness cover for the Purchasing department.

Ideal Candidate

• Highly literate. Good level of conversational and written English.
• Highly numerate.
• Fully PC literate, including spreadsheets.
• Good project manager.
• Experience of working in a manufacturing environment (preferred).
• Experience of purchasing internationally and working with a global network of suppliers (preferred).
• Experience of LV software (preferred).
• Experience of working with quality systems (preferred).
• Organised and methodical.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work to deadlines and prioritise work.

Compensation and benefits

• £26,200-£30,000 per annum pro rata depending on qualifications and experience.
• Comprehensive training and support.
• Health and wellbeing programme.
• Free onsite parking.

If you feel you have the experience and knowledge we're looking for we would love to hear from you.

Hydrachem is an equal opportunities employer.

All data obtained will be handled in accordance with GDPR requirements.

Candidates with the relevant experience or job titles of: Purchaser, Purchasing, Procurement Administrator, Procurement Executive, Procurement Operations, Assistant Procurement Executive, Procurement Admin, Purchasing Assistant, Assistant Buyer, Office Assistant, Office Admin, Procurement Assistant, Senior Administrator, Office Administrator may also be considered for this role.