Purchasing Assistant

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); Birmingham; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the packaging industry is seeking a Purchasing Assistant in Birmingham. The role involves supporting Category Managers, handling inquiries, conducting cost analysis, and maintaining supplier data. Ideal candidates will have experience in procurement within a manufacturing environment and strong administrative skills.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement or strategic sourcing.
• Fast-paced environment requiring initiative and energy.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work cross-functionally.

Responsibilities

• Assist Category Managers with day-to-day inquiries.
• Conduct RFI/RFQ processes and complete inquiries accurately.
• Research market and supply base to keep information up to date.

Skills

Negotiation Skills

Attention to Detail

Excellent Administrative Abilities

Good Level of Numeracy

Education

CIPS Qualification

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

Purchasing Assistant

Location: Birmingham / Onsite

EP Group is a global packaging manufacturer with production facilities across Europe and South East Asia. We specialise in a range of paper and plastic based packaging products, selling to manyof the world’s largest retailers including Marks & Spencer, Amazon and McDonalds.

We have an opportunity for a Purchasing Assistant to join our purchasing team in our Birmingham Head Office.

The Purchasing Assistant will be responsible for assisting our Category Managers with day to day enquiries for an assigned category. The Purchasing Assistant will provide accurate information to other departments in a timely manner, whilst supporting on projects or reporting that arises. You will also research the market and supply base and keep all information accurate and up to date.

Key accountabilities – Purchasing Assistant:

• RFI/RFQ – Complete enquiries accurately and within defined timescales.
• Full cost analysis.
• Data – Ensure data regarding product, suppliers etc is set up and maintained accurately.
• Account support – Be the first point of contact for the account support functions.
• Reports – Generate and maintain departmental and category specific reports e.g. Category spend/margin, Raw Material tracking.
• Meetings – Attend supplier meetings, prepare pre-meeting reports with KPI trackers and take and file minutes.
• New suppliers – Research, assess and make initial contact with potential new suppliers, updating the supplier intelligence matrix.
• Samples – Organise and label supplier samples rotating new/obsolete to make sure storage is available at all times.
• Plan and deliver cost reduction initiatives using data analysis and sourcing strategies.
• Collaborate with internal teams including operations, stock control, and quality to meet production and business objectives.

Essential Experience – Purchasing Assistant:

• Proven experience in procurement or strategic sourcing within a manufacturing environment is essential.
• This is a fast paced environment and attention to detail is paramount, as is the ability to communicate with people internally and externally on all levels.
• Ability to use initiative and have the energy and passion to make things happen.
• Experience leading various projects at one time and working cross-functionally.
• CIPS qualification desirable.
• Experience of using SAP beneficial, but not essential.
• Excellent administrative and organisational abilities.
• Microsoft office.
• Negotiation Skills.
• Good level of numeracy.
• Prioritisation Abilities.
• Ability to self-manage.
• Adaptable to fast-changing environments.