At a Glance
- Tasks: Support purchasing and supplier management while collaborating with the CEO and CFO.
- Company: Join a growing technical manufacturing business known for quality and internal progression.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, genuine career growth, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and develop your career.
- Why this job: Take ownership of purchasing and make a real impact in a dynamic role.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or strong administrative skills with supplier interaction.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
Sales and Purchasing Administrator employer: Alexander Fisher Executive Search LLP
Join a well-established 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. With a competitive salary and genuine opportunities for career advancement, this role as a Sales and Purchasing Administrator offers you the chance to take ownership of purchasing functions while working closely with senior leadership in a hands-on environment.
Contact Details:
Alexander Fisher Executive Search LLP Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales and Purchasing Administrator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, or join online forums. 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 services, especially in technical manufacturing. This will help you show that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in purchasing and administration can benefit the team. Highlight your proactive approach and ability to manage supplier relationships effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales and 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 experience, 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 role. Mention your proactive nature and how you can contribute to our collaborative culture at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your SAP Skills:If you have 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 likely come up in conversation. Familiarise yourself with the types of technical components the company deals with, so you can speak confidently about them.
✨Show Your Proactivity
In a fast-paced environment, being proactive is key. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've taken initiative, whether it was chasing suppliers for timely deliveries or finding ways to reduce costs. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a dynamic role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since the company values collaboration, be ready to discuss how you've worked effectively within a team. Share specific instances where you’ve supported colleagues or adapted to overlapping responsibilities. Highlighting your teamwork skills will show that you fit well with their culture.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the company's approach to supplier management or how they measure procurement efficiency. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your understanding of the industry.
