Purchasing Assistant

Adecco; Chesterfield; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Adecco is seeking a detail-oriented Purchasing Assistant in Chesterfield to join our client’s procurement team. The role reports to the Procurement Manager and involves comprehensive PO processing, supplier coordination, and inventory control.

You will manage orders, liaise with vendors on pricing and delivery, maintain purchase records and support quality assurance with MTCs. The role offers regular hours in a busy office environment with parking.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a purchasing environment.
• Understanding end-to-end supply chain activities, especially inventory management.
• Strong analytical abilities to interpret data and market trends.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to engage with suppliers and internal teams.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems is desirable.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel for reporting.
• Highly organised with good time management to meet deadlines.
• Proactive in resolving supply chain issues and discrepancies.

Responsibilities

• Create, maintain and track purchase orders for various goods and services.
• Coordinate with suppliers on pricing, availability and delivery schedules.
• Monitor stock levels and update management on stock status.
• Process orders efficiently, ensure timely delivery and manage PO communications.
• Maintain accurate records of purchases, pricing and documents.
• Resolve invoice queries and handle damaged shipments.
• Ensure materials meet quality standards and specify MTCS.
• Assist in sourcing suppliers and obtaining quotes to secure best value.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and logistics partners.
• Lead monthly physical inventory counts.

Skills

Purchasing experience

Supply chain knowledge

Analytical skills

Communication skills

ERP/MRP familiarity

MS Office / Excel

Time management

Problem solving

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Excel

Job description

Job Role: Purchasing Assistant

Location: Chesterfield

Our client, a leading player in the engineering sector with a fantastic company culture, is seeking an enthusiastic and detail‑oriented Purchasing Assistant to join their dynamic procurement team. This exciting opportunity is based in Chesterfield and reports directly to the Procurement Manager.

If you are passionate about supply chain management and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this role could be the perfect fit!

Key Responsibilities

As a Purchasing Assistant, you will play a crucial role in supporting the supply chain team. Your responsibilities will include:

• Order Processing: Create, maintain, and track purchase orders for various goods and services.
• Supplier Coordination: Communicate effectively with vendors regarding pricing, availability, and delivery schedules.
• Inventory Control: Monitor stock levels to prevent shortages and keep management updated on stock status.
• Order Management: Process purchase orders efficiently, ensuring timely delivery and accuracy. Handle all communications related to purchase orders, including acknowledgements and import documentation.
• Administrative Tasks: Maintain accurate records of purchases, pricing, and documentation.
• Discrepancy Resolution: Address any issues related to purchases, including invoice queries and damaged shipments.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure all materials meet quality standards and specifications, including Material Test Certificates (MTCs).
• Market Research: Assist in sourcing suppliers and obtaining quotes to secure the best value.
• Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong, productive relationships with key suppliers and logistics partners.
• PI Counts: Lead monthly physical inventory counts.

Person Specification

• Proven Experience: A solid background in a purchasing environment.
• Supply Chain Knowledge: Understanding of end-to-end supply chain activities, particularly inventory management.
• ERP/MRP Systems: Familiarity with ERP or MRP systems is desirable.
• Numerical & Analytical Skills: Strong analytical abilities to interpret data, sales metrics, and market trends.
• Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills to build relationships with suppliers, vendors, and internal teams.
• IT Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially advanced Excel skills for data manipulation and reporting.
• Time Management: Highly organised with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
• Problem‑Solving: Proactive approach to managing supply chain disruptions effectively.

Working Hours

Monday to Thursday: 8:00am - 4:00pm or 9:00am - 5:00pm

Friday: 8:00am - 1:00pm or 9:00am - 2:00pm

This is an office-based position with free onsite car parking.

This role offers a fantastic opportunity to join a reputable organisation while developing your skills in a supportive environment.

Our client is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.