At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchasing and planning to ensure product availability and optimal inventory levels.
- Company: Join a supportive and collaborative team in a well-established business.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, full-time hours, and a pathway to permanent employment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in procurement and supply chain with real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or inventory management and strong Excel skills.
Temporary to Permanent Opportunity
Monday to Friday | 37.5 hours per week
Pay Rate: £14.62 per hour (equivalent to £28,500 per annum)
Our client is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Buyer / Planner to join their growing team on a temporary to permanent basis. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with purchasing, materials planning, or inventory management experience who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and building strong supplier relationships.
The Role
As a Buyer / Planner, you will be responsible for managing purchasing and planning activities to ensure products and materials are available when required, while maintaining optimal inventory levels and supporting customer delivery expectations.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage inventory levels for an assigned portfolio of products to meet customer and business requirements.
- Monitor and review planning recommendations within the ERP system, taking appropriate action where required.
- Raise purchase orders and work orders in line with lead times and operational demands.
- Liaise with suppliers to obtain order acknowledgements and delivery updates, ensuring system information remains accurate and up to date.
- Maintain accurate procurement data including supplier lead times, costs, and minimum order quantities.
- Identify and support cost-saving initiatives and sourcing improvements.
- Investigate and resolve supplier invoice queries in collaboration with the finance team.
- Manage issues relating to non-conforming materials and coordinate actions with suppliers to minimise disruption.
- Support customs and import documentation processes where required.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the planning and purchasing function.
About You
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:
- Strong organisational and planning skills.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
- High levels of accuracy and attention to detail.
- The ability to prioritise multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
- A proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Flexibility and adaptability in a changing environment.
- A collaborative approach and strong team-working skills.
Skills & Experience
Essential:
- Background in purchasing, procurement, materials planning, demand planning, inventory management, or a similar role.
- Experience using ERP/MRP systems.
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills.
- Knowledge of inventory control and material planning principles.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities.
Desirable:
- Background within a distribution, manufacturing, or supply chain environment.
- Knowledge of customs processes and declarations relating to goods movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
What’s On Offer?
- Temporary to permanent opportunity.
- Full-time hours, Monday to Friday.
- £28,500 salary.
- Supportive and collaborative working environment.
- Opportunity to develop your procurement and supply chain career within a well-established business.
Our client is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other protected characteristic.
Adecco acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
By applying for this role your details will be submitted to Adecco. Our Candidate Privacy Information Statement explaining how we will use your information is available on our website.
Buyer / Planner employer: Adecco
Adecco is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values flexibility and work-life balance, particularly for the Seasonal DBS Cleaner role in Chelmsford. Employees benefit from a competitive pension scheme and various incentives, alongside opportunities for personal growth and development within a dynamic team environment, making it a rewarding place to contribute to the cleanliness of educational settings.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer / Planner
✨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 Adecco.
✨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 Buyer / Planner
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 Adecco:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Adecco. 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 Adecco.
How to prepare for a job interview at Adecco
✨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 Adecco!
✨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 Adecco. 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 Adecco's culture.