Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in purchasing, managing supplier forecasts, and ensuring stock availability.
- Company: Join Albert Bartlett, a leading family-owned food business with a rich history since 1948.
- Benefits: Enjoy a starting salary of £30,000, 6 weeks holiday, free parking, and an onsite canteen.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to quality and innovation in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Degree in supply chain or business preferred; strong IT and analytical skills required.
- Other info: Full-time role with a supportive company culture focused on sustainability and community.
The predicted salary is between 21600 - 36000 £ per year.
The Purchasing Assistant is primarily responsible for raising purchase quotes and purchase orders for suppliers of goods and services that are required by the business. The role involves having a good understanding of current stocks of packaging and equipment in line with customer forecasts and internal production schedules, using information from suppliers alongside weekly stock takes to optimise stock holding in line with the business commercial forecast. Working as part of the purchasing team to ensure that the business can supply customer orders on time in full as part of the wider supply chain function.
To be successful in this role, the candidate will need excellent interpersonal skills, strong analytical talents and the ability to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Manage and maintain supplier forecasts.
- Order packaging and equipment in line with business needs for several production sites.
- Liaise with various site contacts to ensure stock check accuracy and packaging availability.
- Efficiently and accurately deal with any invoice queries due to discrepancies of either price or quantity received.
- Try to reduce costs where applicable using different tactics; alternative suppliers, alternative materials, use pricing matrices for best cost price.
- Attend daily production meetings at our Airdrie site with other members of the team.
- Assist management with any queries regarding packaging; either customer promotional activity or any potential planned product delists.
- Perform any reasonable task as requested by Purchasing Manager/Senior Management.
Key Skills/Requirements:
- Preferably degree educated in relevant fields: supply chain, business, administration etc.
- Working to tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience with purchasing preferred but not essential.
- Organised and tidy approach to work.
- Smart appearance, pleasant manner, easy to work with and can work to a high standard of confidentiality.
- Working to a high degree of accuracy.
- Strong IT skills with Excel skills being essential, alongside Word & PowerPoint.
- Effective problem solving and competent numeracy skills.
- Can work well on their own initiative.
- Can also work effectively as part of a team.
About The Role:
HOURS OF WORK: Shift 41.25 hours per week. Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm. (45 mins of unpaid breaks per day).
Starting Salary: £30,000 plus 6 weeks holiday. Free parking. Onsite canteen.
LOCATION: 251 Stirling Road, Airdrie, ML6 7SP.
If you have a proven track record within an FMCG background and are looking for the next steps in your career then we look forward to hearing from you.
Purchasing Assistant employer: Albert Bartlett
Contact Detail:
Albert Bartlett Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific products and services offered by Albert Bartlett. Understanding their range of fresh, chilled, and frozen products will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your Excel skills, as strong IT skills are essential for this role. Consider taking a quick online course or tutorial to enhance your abilities in data analysis and inventory management, which are crucial for a Purchasing Assistant.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the FMCG sector, especially those who have experience in purchasing roles. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to gain insights and potentially get referrals that could boost your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your problem-solving skills and how you've handled discrepancies in past roles. Being able to provide specific examples will showcase your analytical talents and ability to work under pressure, which are key for this position.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in purchasing, inventory control, and supplier interactions. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you meet the requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your interpersonal skills and analytical talents. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier forecasts or resolved invoice discrepancies in the past.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your strong IT skills, particularly with Excel, as well as your problem-solving abilities. Mention any experience you have working under tight deadlines in fast-paced environments.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Albert Bartlett
✨Research the Company
Before your interview, take some time to learn about Albert Bartlett & Sons. Understand their history, values, and products. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the company.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the role's focus on purchasing and inventory control, be ready to discuss your understanding of stock management, supplier interactions, and invoicing processes. Brush up on relevant terminology and concepts to demonstrate your knowledge.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
The job requires excellent interpersonal skills, so be prepared to discuss examples of how you've effectively communicated with team members or suppliers in the past. Highlight your ability to work collaboratively and resolve conflicts.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Thinking
As a Purchasing Assistant, strong analytical skills are crucial. Be ready to share instances where you've used data to make informed decisions or optimise processes. This could include managing forecasts or dealing with discrepancies in invoices.
