Purchasing Assistant

JR United Kingdom; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Purchasing Assistant to optimize inventory levels and manage supplier relationships. The ideal candidate will possess strong IT and communication skills, be proactive in implementing LEAN principles, and support supply chain performance through effective management practices.

Qualifications

• Competent Administrator with a background in manufacturing/engineering.
• Strong IT skills; experience with SAP is beneficial.
• Clear communicator, confident liaising with suppliers and internal teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage supplier relationships and ensure effective supplier performance.
• Maintain inventory levels and support service teams to meet customer expectations.
• Prepare RFQs and negotiate terms with potential suppliers.

Skills

Communication

IT skills

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

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Salary Package: £27,000-30,000 per annum

Role Type: Full-time, permanent

Hybrid Working: 3 Days onsite

Reporting to: Supply Chain Manager

Role Profile

A great opportunity has risen for a Purchasing Assistant to join their supply chain team. In this role, you will be responsible for delivering high-levels of performance by optimising inventory levels, effective supplier management and supporting our servicing teams to meet customer expectations.

Main Responsibilities

• Ensure system data is effectively maintained, re-order policies are appropriate and MRP demand signals are interpreted to support efficient management of required materials.
• Effectively manage supplier relationships driving improved supplier performance, including supplier visits within the UK and overseas
• Prepare Request for Quotations (RFQ’s) and negotiate terms with potential suppliers
• Maintain SAP workflow tasks accordingly
• Work with Planning team to maintain optimised inventory levels whilst maximising performance to customers.
• Request order confirmation from suppliers and ensure they meet requirements and terms
• Expedite orders with suppliers and coordinate issuing of delivery schedule priorities.
• Action Quality Rejects and Quality Investigation Reports in a timely manner by liaising with suppliers and the quality personnel
• Action goods receipt discrepancies and queries in a timely manner by liaising with suppliers and the goods-inwards personnel
• Action invoice discrepancies and queries in a timely manner by liaising with suppliers and the finance personnel
• Participate in negotiations, secure capacity and forecasting
• Support the Supply Management function to record and monitor KPI’s to optimise supply chain performance in support of spares and production requirements
• Communicate progress and escalate recurring issues to key stakeholders
• Support other team members with regards to escalation of progressing issues with suppliers
• Maintain safe working practises for self and others in accordance with the Company’s policy on Health and Safety

Development Responsibilities

• Monitor, record and issue supplier “On Time Delivery” performance and support with the creation of action plans for improvement for under achieving suppliers
• Keep management aware of the Strategic performance level by monitoring and reporting status.
• Support implementation of Supply Chain Strategy, develop and maintain purchasing tools in line with Corporate and business requirement.
• Implement where appropriate LEAN principles to improve efficiency in the supply chain areas of the business. A mix of direct support, training and coaching will be required to achieve this across the various departments.

Person Specification

• Competent Administrator
• Background in manufacturing/engineering type environments
• Clear communicator, confident to liaise with suppliers and internal teams
• Strong IT skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office
• Experience with SAP, beneficial
• Willing to learn new systems, processes
• Good can-do attitude, can work under pressure when needed

Working Hours

• 37.5 hours per week
• 08:00-16:45 (Monday-Thursday), 08:00-12:30 (Fridays)
• Option to work or use holiday over the Christmas Period