At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supply chain, drive customer engagement, and improve operational efficiency.
- Company: Rapidly growing start-up in the speciality chemical distribution sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with hybrid options and potential for travel.
- Why this job: Join a high-growth company where your contributions directly impact success.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in purchasing, logistics, and customer service; strong data analytics skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Salary: £28-40k+ (negotiable, dependent on experience) with performance-based bonus, health insurance, pension contributions etc.
Location: Hybrid, 3-4 days per week in Leeds office
Reports to: Operations Manager
About Anstar:
Founded in 2018, Anstar is a rapidly growing speciality chemicals distributor with offices in Leeds (HQ), London and New York. We act as a commercial and technical bridge between leading Asian manufacturers and global markets. We are a global leader in UV-curing materials and are expanding into nutraceuticals, food ingredients and other speciality chemicals. Our culture is lean, ambitious and execution-focused, combining entrepreneurial agility with strong technical and commercial expertise.
The Opportunity:
Anstar is growing quickly and is looking for a Chinese-speaking, self-motivated, and enthusiastic Operations Associate to strengthen our operations function across purchasing, logistics, supply chain and customer service. This is a hands-on role with significant exposure to international suppliers, customers, freight partners and warehousing. The successful candidate will play an important part in ensuring orders, stock and shipments move efficiently through the business, while helping to improve processes as Anstar continues to scale.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a fast-growing international business where you will be given genuine responsibility and the opportunity to directly influence how our operations function develops.
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Order & Customer Operations:
- Process customer orders and associated documentation, including SOs, dispatch notes, invoices and COAs
- Liaise with customers regarding order status, availability, delivery dates and operational issues
- Coordinate customer samples and maintain sample stock records
Purchasing, Logistics & Supply Chain:
- Coordinate purchasing with domestic and international suppliers
- Arrange and monitor road, sea and air freight with freight forwarders, couriers and warehouses
- Support import/export documentation, customs requirements and Incoterms
- Liaise closely with Anstar's third-party warehouses to ensure accurate and timely dispatch
- Track inbound shipments and proactively resolve delays or discrepancies
Inventory Planning
- Monitor stock levels, customer demand and incoming supply
- Support demand forecasting and replenishment planning
- Maintain accurate inventory, lot and product information within ERP systems
Systems, Data & Finance Support
- Maintain accurate customer, supplier, sales and logistics records within Business Central (ERP)/ CRM systems
- Support customer credit control, including payment follow-up and credit checks where required
- Produce and maintain operational reports and records
Essential requirements for the role:
- Professional fluency in Mandarin Chinese and English, both written and spoken
- Ideally 2+ years' experience within operations, logistics, supply chain, purchasing or a similar commercial environment
- Strong customer and supplier communication skills
- Excellent organisation, accuracy and attention to detail
- Comfortable managing multiple orders, shipments and deadlines simultaneously
- Strong Excel and general Microsoft Office skills
- Experience using ERP or business management systems
- Strong knowledge and use of AI systems, e.g., ChatGPT
- Proactive, commercially aware and comfortable taking ownership of problems through to resolution
- Experience coordinating road, sea and/or air freight
- Experience with dangerous goods transport and storage
- Previous experience within chemicals, speciality materials or a related industry
- Experience with international import/export procedures, customs documentation and Incoterms
- Experience working with global freight forwarders, couriers and third-party logistics providers
- Experience in warehousing, inventory management and stock control
- Experience working for a distributor, importer or agent
- Experience using Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central or a similar ERP system
The interview process will consist of an initial phone call, followed by 2-3 interview rounds.
Equal Opportunity: Anstar is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Website: www.anstar.com
HQ: Airedale House, 423 Kirkstall Rd, Leeds, LS4 2EW, UK
Founder & Managing Director: Dr Liangyu Hawkes
We look forward to welcoming talented individuals into our dynamic team.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Operations Associate in Leeds employer: Anstar Ltd
Anstar Ltd is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, ideal for those passionate about chemistry and business development. With opportunities for professional growth and a competitive compensation package, including bonuses and share options, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the speciality materials sector across the UK and EMEA.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Associate in Leeds
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Anstar Ltd and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Anstar Ltd!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Anstar Ltd keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Associate in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Anstar Ltd:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Anstar Ltd. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Anstar Ltd
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Anstar Ltd.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Anstar Ltd that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Anstar Ltd. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
