Purchasing Specialist

Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the FMCG sector is seeking a Purchasing Specialist. This role involves managing the purchase order process, supplier relationships, and stock analysis. Ideal candidates should have experience in purchasing within FMCG environments, strong IT skills including SAP, and a problem-solving mindset. The position offers annual leave, pension benefits, and a vibrant work culture.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus 8 UK bank holidays

Pension contribution

Life assurance policy (4 x Salary)

Employee Assistance Programme

Employee Discount Scheme

Free car parking

Qualifications

• Experience in purchasing within FMCG, ideally warehousing and logistics.
• Strong administrative and IT skills with knowledge of SAP and Microsoft Office.
• Good understanding of purchase ledger financial processes.

Responsibilities

• Execute day-to-day purchasing activities and issue Purchase Orders.
• Maintain relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Analyse purchasing data to identify cost-saving opportunities.

Skills

Purchasing experience

Strong administrative skills

IT skills

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

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Hours: 40 hours Monday to Friday 8.30-17.00

As a Purchasing Specialist at Arvato, you'll have full ownership and responsibility for managing tasks relating to the purchase order process and for supporting your UK Procurement colleagues. Your typical day-to-day duties will include processing new Supplier set ups, processing purchase order requisitions, issuing purchase orders, completing goods receipts, resolving purchasing related issues both internally with Stakeholders and other Central functions such as Finance and dealing with Suppliers.

You’ll also be responsible for some basic sourcing and price negotiations working directly with the Suppliers and internal Stakeholders.

Your Tasks

• Execute day-to-day purchasing activities, including issuing Purchase Orders (PO’s) once approved and the timely processing of Purchase Order Requisitions (PR’s).
• Progress chasing and timely completion of Goods Receipting (GR’s)
• Resolving and problem solving PO and GR queries.
• The set up of new Suppliers
• Creation and maintenance of SAP catalogue
• Source and evaluate suppliers to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and reliability.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with company procurement policies and procedures.
• Analyse purchasing data and market trends to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Support contract negotiations and manage supplier performance.
• Conduct data and supply analysis to optimise procurement processes

Your Profile

• Purchasing experience within an FMCG environment, ideally warehousing and logistics, including SAP and covering majority of responsibilities listed
• Strong administrative and IT skills and with a working knowledge of SAP and Microsoft Office is essential.
• Able to demonstrate a good understanding of purchase ledger financial processes
• Able to balance priorities and work to tight deadlines
• Good communicator – clear and concise, written and verbal
• Good problem solver with attention to detail to self-identify issues

We Offer

• 25 days annual leave plus 8 UK bank holidays with the option to purchase up to an additional 5 days
• Pension contribution
• A life assurance policy that pays out 4 x Salary
• Employee Assistance Programme that provides you with confidential support, information, and advice to help you
• Employee Discount Scheme through Treats
• Free car parking

If you’re ready to bring your purchasing skills to a team that values precision, collaboration, and a dash of fun – we’d love to hear from you!