Purchasing Assistant

K H R Recruitment Specialists; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-owned market leader in building materials is seeking a Purchasing Assistant in Maidstone. In this role, you will be responsible for efficient procurement processes, managing stock levels, and liaising with hauliers. The suitable candidate must have a CIPS qualification and a minimum of two years of purchasing experience. Benefits include a competitive salary, annual bonus, and 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual performance-related bonus

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Company pension scheme

Early finish on a Friday

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience in a buying or purchasing role.
• Experience within the construction or manufacturing sector is beneficial.
• Ability to work well in a team and independently.

Responsibilities

• Process new purchase orders efficiently and on time.
• Organise haulage and focus on achieving demonstrable cost savings.
• Monitor stock levels to maintain 98% order fulfilment.
• Ensure all goods are received and invoiced correctly.
• Communicate with hauliers to ensure smooth, on‑time deliveries.
• Liaise daily with the sales office to plan and fulfil orders.
• Support key projects to improve the buying process.
• Manage customs protocols for UK and EU shipments.

Skills

CIPS qualification

Purchasing experience

Advanced Microsoft Excel

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Job description

With over 30 years of experience, our client is a family‑owned market leader in innovative building materials. Operating across Europe, they have built a strong reputation for quality and service.

Due to ongoing success and growth, they are currently seeking a Purchasing Assistant to join their team on a full time, permanent basis.

As a Purchasing Assistant, you will play a key role in the supply chain team. You will ensure the timely and efficient procurement of goods, manage stock levels, and coordinate with hauliers and internal departments. Your work will directly contribute to maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction and operational success.

Responsibilities

• Process new purchase orders efficiently and on time.
• Organise haulage and focus on achieving demonstrable cost savings.
• Monitor stock levels to maintain 98% order fulfilment.
• Ensure all goods are received and invoiced correctly.
• Communicate with hauliers to ensure smooth, on‑time deliveries.
• Liaise daily with the sales office to plan and fulfil orders.
• Support key projects to improve the buying process.
• Manage customs protocols for UK and EU shipments.

Requirements

• CIPS qualification is essential.
• A minimum of two years of experience in a buying or purchasing role.
• Experience within the construction or manufacturing sector is beneficial.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• The ability to work well in a team and independently.
• Strong time management skills in a fast‑paced environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• An annual performance‑related bonus
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Company pension scheme
• Early finish on a Friday