Purchasing Assistant

Time Appointments Ltd; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Time Appointments Ltd is seeking a Purchasing Assistant to join the team in supporting day-to-day purchasing activities. You will manage orders, liaise with suppliers, and ensure on-time delivery while maintaining detailed records.

The role requires strong organisation, communication skills, and the ability to prioritise effectively in a busy purchasing environment. A proactive, cost-aware mindset will help optimise processes across departments.

Qualifications

• Experience in purchasing, procurement, buying, supply chain or similar roles.
• Strong organisational and administrative abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail in all tasks.
• Confident written and verbal communication with stakeholders.
• Ability to build effective supplier and internal relationships.
• Good commercial awareness and value-focused mindset.
• Strong problem-solving with a practical approach.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Solid IT skills including Microsoft Office suite.
• Proactive, takes ownership and drives improvements.

Responsibilities

• Raising and processing purchase orders.
• Liaising with suppliers on pricing, availability and delivery dates.
• Tracking orders and keeping internal teams updated.
• Chasing outstanding orders and resolving delivery issues.
• Maintaining accurate purchasing and supplier records.
• Monitoring stock levels and supporting purchasing decisions.
• Obtaining quotes and comparing costs as needed.
• Building and maintaining positive supplier relationships.
• Collaborating with warehouse, logistics and sales teams.
• Providing day-to-day purchasing administration support.
• Identifying opportunities to improve processes and reduce costs.
• Keeping track of details while focusing on the bigger picture.

Skills

Purchasing experience

Organisation

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Supplier relationships

Commercial awareness

Problem solving

Time management

IT skills

Proactive approach

Job description

Time Appointments are working with a successful and established business that is looking for a Purchasing Assistant to join their team.

The successful candidate will play a key role within the purchasing team, supporting day-to-day operations and helping to ensure products are sourced and delivered efficiently.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Raising and processing purchase orders
• Liaising with suppliers to confirm pricing, availability and delivery dates
• Tracking orders and keeping internal teams updated
• Chasing outstanding orders and resolving any delivery issues
• Maintaining accurate purchasing and supplier records
• Monitoring stock levels and supporting purchasing decisions
• Obtaining quotes and comparing costs where required
• Building and maintaining positive supplier relationships
• Working closely with warehouse, logistics, sales and other internal teams
• Supporting the purchasing team with day-to-day administration
• Identifying opportunities to improve processes, save time and reduce costs
• Keeping an eye on the detail while never losing sight of the bigger picture

Skills & Experience Required:

• Previous experience in purchasing, procurement, buying, supply chain or a similar role
• Strong organisational and administrative skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Confident communication skills, both written and verbal
• The ability to build effective relationships with suppliers and colleagues
• Good commercial awareness and an eye for value
• Strong problem-solving skills and a practical approach
• The ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office
• A proactive approach and the confidence to take ownership

If you're commercially minded, highly organised and know your way around purchase orders, suppliers and delivery schedule, we'd like to hear from you.