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- 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 admin skills with supplier interaction.
- Other info: Exciting career development in a fast-paced, collaborative setting.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 35000 £ per year.
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 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.
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 - £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 employer: Alexander Fisher
Contact Detail:
Alexander Fisher Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Assistant
✨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 a Purchasing Assistant role or can give you insider tips about the company.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their supply chain and be ready to discuss how your skills can help improve their purchasing processes. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Purchasing Assistant, you'll need to chase suppliers and collaborate with colleagues. Role-play common scenarios with a friend to build your confidence and assertiveness.
✨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 and take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Assistant
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 administration, and don’t forget to mention any specific skills like using SAP. We want to see how you can fit into our collaborative culture!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about this role and how your background makes you a great fit. Be sure to mention your proactive approach and any experience with supplier management, as these are key for us.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves liaising with suppliers and internal teams, make sure your application reflects your strong communication skills. Whether it's in your CV or cover letter, let us know how you've successfully managed relationships in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Fisher
✨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 proactive and ready to take ownership.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves liaising with suppliers and internal stakeholders, it's crucial to demonstrate your strong communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles, especially when resolving issues or negotiating prices. This will highlight your assertiveness and ability to drive outcomes.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cost Control
The company is looking for someone who can identify cost-saving opportunities. Think about times when you've successfully reduced costs or improved efficiency in your previous roles. Be prepared to share these examples during the interview to showcase your commercial awareness and problem-solving abilities.
✨Embrace the Collaborative Culture
This role requires working closely with various departments, so it's important to convey your ability to collaborate effectively. Share experiences where you've worked as part of a team, highlighting how you adapted to evolving responsibilities. This will demonstrate that you're a good fit for their supportive and hands-on environment.
