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- Tasks: Support daily purchasing tasks and liaise with suppliers in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a fast-paced food manufacturing business with strong values and a collaborative team.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 26 days holiday, health schemes, and excellent career development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in procurement with hands-on experience and mentorship from a skilled Purchasing Manager.
- Qualifications: Strong admin skills, Excel proficiency, and a proactive attitude are essential; training in procurement is a plus.
- Other info: This role offers varied tasks and exposure to key supply chain areas, perfect for growth.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: Blackburn, Lancashire
Salary: £25,000-£30,000 + great benefits package
Looking to take your first step into a career in procurement or supply chain? This is a fantastic opportunity to join a fast-paced food manufacturing business where you will gain hands-on experience, learn from a skilled Purchasing Manager, and build a solid foundation in the purchasing process. If you are highly organised, great with Excel, and have strong attention to detail – this could be the perfect role for you.
The role:
- As Purchasing Assistant, you will support the day-to-day purchasing function, working closely with the Purchasing Manager to ensure smooth procurement operations.
- The role will involve lots of administrative tasks including matching invoices to delivery notes, updating stock spreadsheets, and liaising with suppliers to ensure everything is running on time and to spec.
- This is a varied role where no two days are the same – you will be tracking orders, resolving delivery or pricing issues, and helping maintain accurate stock levels.
- You will also gain exposure to key areas like supplier relationships, sustainability criteria, and technical documentation – making it a great platform for someone building a long-term career in the supply chain.
What we are looking for:
- Strong admin skills and high attention to detail
- Excellent Excel ability – confident with spreadsheets, formulas, and data checking
- Good communication skills and emotional intelligence when dealing with suppliers
- A proactive and organised approach to juggling multiple tasks
- Someone eager to learn, with interest in procurement or supply chain
- Training towards CIPS (or similar) is ideal, but not essential
- A flexible, team-focused attitude – willing to help out where needed
What you will get in return:
- Salary of £25,000 – £30,000 (depending on experience)
- 26 days holiday + 8 bank holidays
- 8% matched pension (with additional salary sacrifice options post-probation)
- 4x salary life insurance
- 6 weeks’ company sick pay in any 12-month rolling period (post-probation)
- Medicash health scheme (including 24/7 GP, physio, mental health support, digital tools & more)
- The chance to join a well-established business with strong values, a collaborative team, and excellent career development opportunities
This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to kickstart a career in purchasing with a supportive team in a thriving industry. If that sounds like you – we would love to hear from you!
If you are interested please get in touch with Lucy Osborne at Lucy.Osborne@alexandersteele.com
Junior Buyer employer: Alexander Steele Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Alexander Steele Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the basics of procurement and supply chain management. Understanding key concepts will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your Excel skills, especially with spreadsheets and formulas. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in Excel during discussions can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the procurement industry. Attend local events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your organisational skills and how you manage multiple tasks. Think of examples from your past experiences that highlight your ability to stay organised and proactive.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant skills and experiences that align with the Junior Buyer role. Emphasise your organisational skills, Excel proficiency, and any experience in procurement or supply chain, even if it's from coursework or internships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific aspects of the job description that excite you, such as the opportunity to learn from a skilled Purchasing Manager and your eagerness to contribute to the team.
Highlight Soft Skills: In your application, focus on your communication skills and emotional intelligence. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed relationships or resolved issues in previous roles or projects, as these are crucial for liaising with suppliers.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is essential for the Junior Buyer position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Steele Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Excel Skills
Since the role requires excellent Excel ability, be prepared to discuss your experience with spreadsheets. You might even want to bring examples of how you've used Excel in previous roles or projects to demonstrate your proficiency.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Highlight instances where your attention to detail has made a difference in your work. Whether it's catching errors in data or ensuring accuracy in administrative tasks, showing that you can maintain high standards is crucial.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially related to procurement challenges. Think about how you would handle issues like delivery delays or pricing discrepancies, and be ready to articulate your thought process.
✨Express Your Eagerness to Learn
This position is ideal for someone starting their career in procurement. Make sure to convey your enthusiasm for learning and growing within the industry, as well as any relevant training or courses you are considering, like CIPS.
