Purchasing Assistant

JR United Kingdom; Preston; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing business is seeking a Purchasing Assistant based in Preston. This role offers a chance to gain hands-on experience in procurement while working closely with a skilled Purchasing Manager. Ideal for those looking to kickstart their career in supply chain, the position promises diverse responsibilities and valuable training opportunities, fostering growth in a supportive environment.

Benefits

26 days holiday + 8 bank holidays

8% matched pension

4x salary life insurance

6 weeks’ company sick pay

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong admin skills and high attention to detail.
• Excellent Excel ability – confident with spreadsheets and data checking.
• Good communication skills and emotional intelligence when dealing with suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day purchasing function alongside the Purchasing Manager.
• Involve administrative tasks like matching invoices and updating stock spreadsheets.
• Track orders and resolve delivery or pricing issues.

Skills

Strong admin skills

Attention to detail

Excellent Excel ability

Good communication skills

Proactive and organised

Interest in procurement or supply chain

Education

Training towards CIPS

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Purchasing Assistant, Preston, Lancashire

Client:

Location:

Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Views:

4

Posted:

16.06.2025

Expiry Date:

31.07.2025

Job Description:

Location: Blackburn, Lancashire

Looking to take your first step into a career in procurement or supply chain? This is a fantastic opportunity to join a fast-paced food manufacturing business where you'll gain hands-on experience, learn from a skilled Purchasing Manager, and build a solid foundation in the purchasing process. If you're highly organised, great with Excel, and have strong attention to detail – this could be the perfect role for you.

The role..

As Purchasing Assistant, you’ll support the day-to-day purchasing function, working closely with the Purchasing Manager to ensure smooth procurement operations. The role will involve lots of administrative tasks including matching invoices to delivery notes, updating stock spreadsheets, and liaising with suppliers to ensure everything is running on time and to spec.

This is a varied role where no two days are the same – you'll be tracking orders, resolving delivery or pricing issues, and helping maintain accurate stock levels. You’ll also gain exposure to key areas like supplier relationships, sustainability criteria, and technical documentation – making it a great platform for someone building a long-term career in the supply chain.

What we are looking for..

• Strong admin skills and high attention to detail
• Excellent Excel ability – confident with spreadsheets, formulas, and data checking
• Good communication skills and emotional intelligence when dealing with suppliers
• A proactive and organised approach to juggling multiple tasks
• Someone eager to learn, with interest in procurement or supply chain
• Training towards CIPS (or similar) is ideal, but not essential
• A flexible, team-focused attitude – willing to help out where needed

What you will get in return..

• Salary of £22,000 – £25,000 (depending on experience)
• 26 days holiday + 8 bank holidays
• 8% matched pension (with additional salary sacrifice options post-probation)
• 4x salary life insurance
• 6 weeks’ company sick pay in any 12-month rolling period (post-probation)
• The chance to join a well-established business with strong values, a collaborative team, and excellent career development opportunities

This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to kickstart a career in purchasing with a supportive team in a thriving industry. If that sounds like you – we’d love to hear from you!