purchasing lead.

Polkadotfrog Ltd; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Hybrid work after probation

Job summary

Polkadotfrog Ltd in Ipswich is seeking a proactive Buyer to join our Purchasing team, focusing on mentoring and coaching colleagues while strengthening supplier relationships and procurement processes.

You will resolve daily operational challenges, analyse spend and KPI data, and participate in demand planning, pricing reviews, and ERP audits. Hybrid work is available after probation, with a Monday–Friday 9am–5pm schedule.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills, commercial awareness and a proactive attitude.
• Previous experience within a Buyer or Purchasing role is essential, and mentoring or coaching colleagues would be advantageous.
• Excellent analytical and negotiation skills with advanced computer literacy.

Responsibilities

• Assist with resolving daily operational and supplier-related challenges.
• Manage supplier relationships and review lead times.
• Report on monthly spending, KPIs, and non-conformance.
• Participate in demand planning, pricing reviews, and procurement improvements.
• Audit processes, maintain ERP databases, and ensure industry compliance.
• Support onboarding and training for new team members.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Commercial awareness

Analytical and negotiation

Mentoring or coaching

Proactive attitude

Education

CIPS certification

Tools

ERP software

Job description

The role.
Join a dynamic and collaborative Purchasing team, taking responsibility for enhancing procurement processes. Reporting to the Purchasing Manager, you will play a key role in supporting the wider team, helping to resolve daily challenges and maintain strong supplier relationships. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to take the next step in their career into a mentoring or coaching-focused position.

This role is Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm with the opportunity for hybrid work available after probation.

Your day-to-day duties include;

• Assist with resolving daily operational and supplier-related challenges.
• Manage supplier relationships and review lead times.
• Report on monthly spending, KPIs, and non-conformance.
• Participate in demand planning, pricing reviews, and procurement improvements.
• Audit processes, maintain ERP databases, and ensure industry compliance.
• Support onboarding and training for new team members.

why you should apply.

What a magnificent place to work, from the unbelievable benefits package to the fantastic culture, this is somewhere you will build such a successful and rewarding career you will not want to leave! The opportunity for both professional and personal progression here is also one to note down. For such a large and long-standing business, they have absolutely mastered how to keep the family feel throughout, creating an atmosphere you look forward to entering every day.

what we’re looking for.

Strong communication skills, commercial awareness and a proactive attitude. Previous experience within a Buyer or Purchasing role is essential, and any experience supporting, mentoring or coaching colleagues would be highly advantageous. This role would suit someone ready to step into a position where they can help guide and develop others. You will have strong analytical and negotiation skills, alongside advanced computer literacy. Excellent organisational abilities and the capacity to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment are also required. Ideally, you’ll be CIPS certified (or prepared to undertake).