Purchasing Assistant

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

Job summary

A global packaging manufacturer seeks a Purchasing Assistant to join the team in Birmingham. Responsible for supporting Category Managers, this role involves data management, supplier research, and generating reports to enhance procurement processes. Candidates should have relevant experience in a manufacturing context and strong organisational skills.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement or strategic sourcing within a manufacturing environment is essential.
• Fast-paced environment; attention to detail and good communication skills are required.
• Experience leading projects and ability to work cross-functionally.

Responsibilities

• Assist Category Managers with day-to-day enquiries and provide accurate information.
• Generate departmental and category specific reports.
• Research market and maintain supplier intelligence matrix.

Skills

Attention to detail

Negotiation Skills

Administrative abilities

Organisational abilities

Self-management

Numeracy

Communication

Initiative

Adaptability

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)

Birmingham

GBP 25,000 - 35,000

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.
• 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.