Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the CEO and CFO in purchasing, supplier management, and cost control.
- Company: Join a growing technical manufacturing business with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, genuine progression opportunities, and a supportive office environment.
- Why this job: Take ownership of purchasing and make a real impact in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or strong administrative skills with supplier interaction.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for career growth and exposure to senior leadership.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 35000 £ per year.
Salary: GBP27,000 - GBP35,000 (negotiable depending on experience). Location: Stansted / Bishop's Stortford area - car drivers preferred due to location but accessible by bus from Stortford areas.
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 - 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 alongside the CEO 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 Assistant - 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 Assistant - 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 Assistant - 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 Assistant - What's on Offer
- Salary of GBP27,000 - GBP35,000 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 Assistant experience please give Heather a call.
Purchasing Assistant in Essex employer: Alexander Fisher Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Alexander Fisher Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Assistant in Essex
✨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 a lead on that perfect Purchasing Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Whether it’s about salary or responsibilities, being confident in discussions can set you apart from other candidates. Remember, it’s all about finding a win-win situation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that Purchasing Assistant job, and we’re always looking for proactive individuals like you to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Assistant in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Purchasing Assistant role. Highlight your relevant experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain management. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your proactive nature and ability to manage supplier relationships.
Show Off Your SAP Skills: If you've got experience with SAP or similar ERP systems, make sure to mention it! We value candidates who can hit the ground running, so any relevant software skills will definitely catch our eye.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and we love seeing applications come directly from interested candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Fisher Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you brush up on your knowledge of purchasing processes and supplier management. Familiarise yourself with SAP or similar ERP systems, as this will show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Show Your Proactivity
During the interview, highlight examples from your past where you've taken initiative in sourcing or managing suppliers. This role requires a proactive approach, so share specific instances where you’ve chased down orders or resolved supply issues effectively.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since the company values collaboration, be prepared to discuss how you've worked closely with colleagues in previous roles. Share stories that showcase your ability to adapt and support team members, as well as how you handle overlapping responsibilities.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's procurement strategies and how they measure supplier performance. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your understanding of the importance of cost control and commercial awareness in purchasing.
