At a Glance
- Tasks: Support purchasing, supplier management, and cost control in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a growing technical manufacturing business with a strong reputation for quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, genuine progression opportunities, and a supportive office culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for career development and exposure to senior leadership.
- Why this job: Take ownership of purchasing and make a real impact in a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or strong administrative skills with supplier interaction.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 30000 £ per year.
Salary: £27,000 - £30,000 (negotiable depending on experience)
Location: Stansted / Bishop's Stortford area
Hours: 39.5 hours a week made up throughout the week with Friday afternoon off. Example: 7.45/8.15am-5pm/5.30 - Friday to 12.45pm.
About the Company:
A well-established and growing technical manufacturing and distribution business is seeking a proactive and confident Purchasing Assistant to join its team. The company operates within a fast-paced environment supplying technical components and products, with a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and internal progression. The culture is collaborative and supportive, with a hands-on approach where responsibilities often overlap and team members work closely together. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a business that genuinely invests in its people and promotes from within.
Purchasing Assistant/Administrator - The Role:
This is a varied and hands-on role supporting the CEO and CFO, with responsibility across purchasing, supplier management, cost control, and administration. The position would suit either an experienced Purchasing Assistant looking to step up or someone with purchasing experience who is ready to take ownership of the purchasing function over time. You will be involved in sourcing and ordering a wide range of technical components, from small parts such as cable ties and fixings to electrical wiring and automation-related products, ensuring that materials are delivered on time and at the best possible cost.
Purchasing Administrator - Key Responsibilities:
- Raise and upload purchase orders onto SAP.
- Chase suppliers and monitor order progress to ensure timely delivery of parts and materials.
- Follow up outstanding orders and resolve supply issues proactively.
- Check pricing accuracy on orders and supplier invoices.
- Manage contract renewals and supplier agreements.
- Source and procure a wide range of components and materials.
Purchasing Administrator - Cost Control & Commercial Awareness:
- Benchmark suppliers and go to market to secure competitive pricing.
- Identify opportunities to reduce costs across stock, parts, and office supplies.
- Support initiatives to improve procurement efficiency and supplier performance.
SAP & Administration:
- Process invoices on SAP and maintain accurate purchasing records.
- Maintain documentation and reporting related to purchasing activity.
- Provide high-level administrative and operational support to the CEO and CFO.
Purchasing Administrator - Team & Business Support:
- Work closely with colleagues across departments in a collaborative environment.
- Adapt to a role where responsibilities may evolve and overlap.
- Act as a reliable and assertive point of contact for suppliers and internal stakeholders.
About You - Essential Skills & Experience:
- Previous experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or a strong administrative role with supplier interaction.
- Confident, assertive, and resilient character, comfortable chasing suppliers and driving outcomes.
- Highly organised, proactive, and detail-oriented.
- Strong communication skills and commercial awareness.
- Experience using SAP or similar ERP systems (or the ability to learn quickly).
Desirable (but not essential):
- Knowledge of electrical wiring, automotive, automation, or technical products.
- Experience within manufacturing, engineering, or technical environments.
- Ambition to develop into a more senior purchasing role.
Purchasing Administrator - What's on Offer:
- Salary of £27,000 - £30,000 depending on experience.
- Genuine progression opportunities, with the potential to take on greater responsibility within purchasing.
- Close exposure to senior leadership and decision-making.
- Supportive, friendly office environment with a collaborative culture.
- A varied role offering real responsibility and long-term career development.
If you feel you are the person for this role and have the relevant Purchasing Administration experience please give Heather a call.
Purchasing Administrator employer: Alexander Fisher Executive Search LLP
Join a well-established and growing technical manufacturing and distribution business in the Stansted/Bishop's Stortford area, where you will thrive in a collaborative and supportive culture that values internal progression. As a Purchasing Administrator, you will enjoy a competitive salary, genuine opportunities for career advancement, and the chance to work closely with senior leadership in a hands-on role that offers real responsibility and development within a dynamic environment.
Contact Details:
Alexander Fisher Executive Search LLP Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Administrator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, or join online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and values so you can show how you fit into their team. We want to see your enthusiasm and how you can contribute!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. This will help you articulate your experience and skills confidently. Remember, we’re looking for someone proactive and assertive!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your interest in the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit for the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Administrator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight any relevant purchasing or administrative roles you've had, and don't forget to showcase your organisational skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Purchasing Administrator role. Mention your proactive nature and how you can contribute to our collaborative culture.
Showcase Your SAP Skills:If you've got experience with SAP or similar ERP systems, make it known! This is a key part of the role, so highlight any relevant experience or your ability to learn quickly.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Fisher Executive Search LLP
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the basics of purchasing and supplier management. Brush up on your knowledge of SAP or similar ERP systems, as this will be crucial for the role. Familiarise yourself with common technical components and products relevant to the company.
✨Show Your Proactivity
During the interview, highlight examples from your past where you've taken initiative in your previous roles. Whether it’s chasing suppliers or resolving issues, demonstrating your proactive nature will resonate well with the hiring team, especially in a fast-paced environment.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cost Control
Prepare to talk about how you've previously identified cost-saving opportunities or improved procurement efficiency. This shows that you not only understand the purchasing process but are also commercially aware and ready to contribute to the company's bottom line.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since the company values a collaborative culture, be prepared to discuss how you've worked effectively within a team. Share specific instances where you’ve supported colleagues or adapted to overlapping responsibilities, showcasing your ability to thrive in a supportive environment.
