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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement processes, manage supplier relationships, and resolve issues in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a global leader in manufacturing known for excellence in procurement operations.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, work with advanced systems, and enjoy opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving real improvements in the supply chain while developing your career.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in procurement, strong ERP knowledge, and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: This is a 12-month contract role with potential for future opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
We're Hiring: Associate Procurement Professional (Assistant Buyer) – 12-Month Contract | Desford
Are you a detail-oriented procurement professional ready to take the next step in your purchasing career? We’re looking for a dedicated and experienced Assistant Buyer to join the dynamic team at Desford, supporting Procurement and Specialty Products in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
About the Role
As an Associate Procurement Professional, you will play a key role in the end-to-end procurement process. From supplier engagement to system navigation and project support, you’ll ensure procurement excellence across quality, cost, logistics, development, and management (QCLDM) standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Solicit and analyse supplier quotations, negotiate pricing, and manage communications.
- Support supplier onboarding and manage ongoing vendor relationships.
- Lead and assist with resource projects, data collection, quotations, and presenting key findings.
- Resolve procurement issues, including invoice discrepancies and system escalations.
- Maintain compliance with internal procurement policies and external audit standards.
- Use Teamcenter for Change Notices and navigate a variety of systems including SAP, Microsoft Office Suite, Power BI, PROcure, Glovia, STMS, Finance@Work, CICT, EPIX, CPI/BIQ, Supplier Connect, and Lognet.
- Provide backup for the Legacy/Service Buyer and support Direct Procurement audit preparation.
What You Bring
- 3+ years experience in an Assistant Buyer or Procurement role.
- Strong background in manufacturing and ERP systems (especially SAP).
- Familiarity with Teamcenter and advanced proficiency across multiple procurement platforms.
- Professional purchasing qualifications (e.g., CIPS) are highly desirable.
- A proactive, analytical mindset with strong communication and project coordination skills.
- The ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
Why Join?
This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to grow within a global organisation known for excellence in procurement operations. You’ll gain exposure to complex systems, cross-functional collaboration, and the chance to drive real improvements across the supply chain.
Assistant Buyer employer: Innova Solutions
Contact Detail:
Innova Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific procurement systems mentioned in the job description, especially SAP and Teamcenter. Having a solid understanding of these platforms will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your readiness to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement field, particularly those who have experience in manufacturing environments. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that could enhance your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with supplier engagement and negotiation during the interview. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed vendor relationships and resolved procurement issues in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills by being prepared to discuss how you approach data collection and project support. Highlight any relevant projects where you've used data to drive decisions or improvements, as this aligns well with the role's responsibilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement and manufacturing. Emphasise your familiarity with ERP systems, especially SAP, and any professional purchasing qualifications you possess.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your analytical mindset and communication skills. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or resolved procurement issues in the past.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your proficiency with various procurement platforms and tools mentioned in the job description, such as Teamcenter and Microsoft Office Suite. This will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for an Assistant Buyer role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Innova Solutions
✨Showcase Your Procurement Knowledge
Make sure to brush up on your procurement principles and practices. Be prepared to discuss your experience with supplier engagement, negotiation tactics, and how you've handled procurement issues in the past.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Systems
Since the role requires navigating various systems like SAP and Teamcenter, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with these platforms. Mention any relevant experience you have with ERP systems during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your analytical mindset. Discuss how you've used data to make informed purchasing decisions or resolve discrepancies, as this will show your ability to contribute to procurement excellence.
✨Emphasise Communication and Collaboration
The role involves working across departments, so be ready to share experiences where you successfully collaborated with others. Highlight your communication skills and how they’ve helped you maintain strong vendor relationships.
