At a Glance
- Tasks: Support purchasing activities and manage supplier relationships to drive business growth.
- Company: A1 Equipment, a leading supplier of commercial kitchen and catering equipment.
- Benefits: Enjoy free parking, team lunches, hybrid working, and a casual dress code.
- Other info: Permanent, full-time role with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a motivated team and make an impact in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and experience in procurement or purchasing roles.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 37000 £ per year.
A1 Equipment is a well-established company specialising in commercial kitchen and catering equipment and supplies. We offer a wide range of brands and product categories, serving customers from independent restaurants to large stadiums and national chains. We’re a motivated, fast-paced team focused on success, and we’re looking for an Assistant Buyer to join us. If you’re ambitious, relationship-driven, and ready to grow with a thriving business, we’d love to hear from you.
As an Assistant Buyer, you’d play a key role in shaping our product range and ensuring smooth, cost-effective supply chain operations. You’ll be supporting our team in sourcing, forecasting, supplier management, and maintaining optimal inventory levels to push our business' growth.
Key Responsibilities- Support purchasing activities from aiding in accurate forecasting and placing purchase orders to upkeeping our inventory management system.
- Track supplier production timelines to ensure on-time delivery.
- Assist in product and brand control, including packaging requirements, product descriptions, and regulatory compliance.
- Maintain clear, accurate records of orders, production progress, and supplier performance.
- Generate and analyse reports to support data-informed decisions and guide the purchasing team's strategies.
- Source new products and help identify potential suppliers to diversify and expand our offerings.
- Monitor supplier quality control to uphold our high product standards.
- Meet company buying targets through strategic procurement and supplier negotiations.
- Ability to build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
- Highly organised, with excellent planning and multitasking abilities.
- Analytical and process-oriented thinker with strong numerical skills.
- A problem-solving mindset focused on continuous improvement.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and workstreams effectively.
- Previous experience in procurement or purchasing roles is preferred, knowledge of the buying process is a must!
- Prior experience sourcing consumer goods directly from Asia.
- Familiarity with inventory management systems or ordering software.
- Free On-site Parking.
- Company Events & Parties.
- Complimentary Team Lunch every 6 weeks.
- Hybrid Working - WFH 1 day a week.
- 3:30pm Friday Finishes.
- Throughout the year Fruit provided & fully stocked soft drinks fridge.
- Employee Discount.
- Casual Dress.
- Company Pension.
Permanent / Full-Time Role
Salary £33,000 - £37,000 per year, depending on experience.
Job location: HP2 7DU, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent.
Assistant Buyer in Watford employer: A1 Equipment LTD
A1 Equipment is an excellent employer that fosters a dynamic and supportive work culture, perfect for those looking to thrive in the fast-paced world of commercial kitchen and catering supplies. With benefits like hybrid working, complimentary team lunches, and a focus on employee growth, we empower our team members to build strong supplier relationships and contribute meaningfully to our success. Located in Hemel Hempstead, we offer a vibrant environment where ambition and collaboration drive our collective achievements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer in Watford
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like A1 Equipment LTD.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to A1 Equipment LTD:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to A1 Equipment LTD. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like A1 Equipment LTD.
How to prepare for a job interview at A1 Equipment LTD
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at A1 Equipment LTD!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at A1 Equipment LTD. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into A1 Equipment LTD's culture.
