At a Glance
- Tasks: Support purchasing and supplier management while collaborating with senior leadership.
- Company: Join a growing technical manufacturing business with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, genuine progression opportunities, and a friendly office environment.
- Why this job: Take ownership of purchasing and make a real impact in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or strong administrative skills with supplier interaction.
- Other info: Exciting career development in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Please ensure you read the below overview and requirements for this employment opportunity completely.
Salary: £27,000 - £35,000 (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 £27,000 - £35,000 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 Stansted 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 Stansted
✨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 you to shine when it’s your turn to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions and tailor your answers to highlight your purchasing experience. Be ready to discuss how you've handled supplier relationships or cost control in the past—this is your chance to showcase your skills!
✨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 are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Assistant in Stansted
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 and attention to detail!
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 Assistant role. Mention your proactive nature and how you can contribute to our collaborative culture at StudySmarter.
Show Off Your SAP Skills: If you've got experience with SAP or similar ERP systems, make sure to mention it! We love candidates who can hit the ground running, so highlight any relevant software skills that will help you manage purchasing records effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
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 and procurement processes. Familiarise yourself with SAP or similar ERP systems, as this will likely come up in conversation. Being able to discuss your previous experiences and how they relate to the role will show that you're not just a good fit, but also genuinely interested.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
As a Purchasing Assistant, you'll need to be assertive and confident when dealing with suppliers. During the interview, demonstrate your strong communication skills by articulating your thoughts clearly and engaging with the interviewer. Share examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or resolved issues in the past.
✨Be Proactive and Detail-Oriented
Highlight your organisational skills and attention to detail during the interview. Discuss specific instances where you've had to manage multiple tasks or projects simultaneously. This will reassure the interviewers that you can handle the varied responsibilities of the role and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and opportunities for progression. This shows that you're not only interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to the company's success. Plus, it gives you a chance to assess if the company is the right fit for you!