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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 scheme, 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, good communication, and a proactive attitude are essential.
- Other info: Ideal for those eager to learn about supply chain and procurement.
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'll gain hands-on experience, learn from a skilled Purchasing Manager, and build a solid foundation in the purchasing process. If you're 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'll 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'll be tracking orders, resolving delivery or pricing issues, and helping maintain accurate stock levels. You'll 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’d love to hear from you!
If you are interested please get in touch with Lucy Osborne.
Junior Buyer employer: Alexander Steele
Contact Detail:
Alexander Steele 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. Consider taking a short online course or tutorial to enhance your proficiency, as this is a crucial skill for the role.
✨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 demonstrate your ability to stay organised and detail-oriented.
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 such as strong admin abilities, Excel proficiency, and any experience related to procurement or supply chain. Use keywords from the job description to catch the employer's attention.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention your interest in procurement, your organisational skills, and how you can contribute to the team. Personalise it to reflect why you want to work specifically for this food manufacturing business.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have any experience with administrative tasks, Excel, or supplier communication, be sure to include specific examples in your application. This will demonstrate your capability and readiness for the role.
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 crucial for the Junior Buyer position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Steele
✨Showcase Your Excel Skills
Since the role requires excellent Excel ability, be prepared to discuss your experience with spreadsheets, formulas, and data checking. You might even want to bring examples of your work or be ready to demonstrate your skills during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Highlight your strong admin skills and attention to detail by sharing specific examples from your past experiences. Discuss how you’ve successfully managed tasks that required precision, such as matching invoices to delivery notes or maintaining accurate stock levels.
✨Communicate Effectively
Good communication skills are essential for liaising with suppliers. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and consider how you would handle potential issues with suppliers. Showing emotional intelligence in your responses will also impress the interviewers.
✨Express Your Eagerness to Learn
This position is ideal for someone looking to kickstart their career in procurement. Make sure to convey your enthusiasm for learning and growing within the supply chain field. Mention any relevant training or courses you’re interested in, like CIPS, to show your commitment.
