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- Tasks: Assist in managing purchasing processes and supplier relationships in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a dynamic manufacturing facility focused on innovation and efficiency.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative culture that values your contributions and supports your development.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or supply chain, strong negotiation skills, and proficiency in ERP systems required.
- Other info: CIPS qualification is a plus; knowledge of lean manufacturing is desirable.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Assistant Purchasing Manager to join our dynamic team within a fast-paced manufacturing facility. This role supports the Purchasing Manager in overseeing procurement operations, ensuring timely supply of materials, maintaining cost-effectiveness, and building strong supplier relationships to support production needs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in managing the end-to-end purchasing process, including sourcing, negotiating, and ordering materials and services.
- Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with production planning teams to ensure material availability and avoid downtime.
- Evaluate supplier performance and participate in vendor selection, development, and management.
- Work with internal departments (e.g., production, quality, finance) to align procurement activities with operational goals.
- Track orders and resolve any issues related to delivery delays, quality concerns, or discrepancies.
- Support cost reduction initiatives while maintaining product quality and service levels.
- Maintain accurate records and purchasing documentation using ERP systems.
- Ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations.
- Prepare reports and analytics on purchasing metrics and supplier performance.
- Provide support to the Purchasing Manager on strategic sourcing projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Requirements:
- Proven experience in a procurement or supply chain role, ideally within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong negotiation and communication skills.
- Solid understanding of purchasing procedures and supply chain principles.
- Experience using ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar).
- Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-moving environment.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team and liaise confidently with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
Desirable:
- CIPS qualification or working towards it.
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing or just-in-time (JIT) processes.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Opportunities for growth and professional development
- A collaborative and supportive working culture
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Company pension scheme
Assistant Purchasing Manager employer: Bates and Bradshaw Ltd
Contact Detail:
Bates and Bradshaw Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Purchasing Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific ERP/MRP systems mentioned in the job description, like SAP or Oracle. Having hands-on experience or even completing online tutorials can give you a significant edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your negotiation skills by practising scenarios relevant to procurement. Role-playing with a friend or colleague can help you articulate your strategies and responses more effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company’s suppliers and their performance metrics. Being able to discuss how you would evaluate and improve supplier relationships will demonstrate your proactive approach and understanding of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on industry trends related to lean manufacturing and just-in-time processes. Showing that you are knowledgeable about these concepts can set you apart as a candidate who is ready to contribute to cost reduction initiatives.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Purchasing Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement or supply chain roles, especially within a manufacturing environment. Emphasise your negotiation skills and any experience with ERP systems.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your motivation for the role and how your skills align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Mention specific examples of past achievements in procurement.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to work collaboratively. These are crucial for the Assistant Purchasing Manager position.
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 this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bates and Bradshaw Ltd
✨Showcase Your Procurement Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous roles in procurement or supply chain management, especially within a manufacturing context. Highlight specific examples where you successfully managed the purchasing process, negotiated with suppliers, or resolved delivery issues.
✨Demonstrate Strong Analytical Skills
Since the role requires tracking orders and evaluating supplier performance, be ready to share how you've used data analysis in past positions. Discuss any experience with ERP systems and how you've leveraged them to improve procurement efficiency.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
This position involves working closely with various internal departments. Prepare to give examples of how you've effectively collaborated with teams like production, quality, or finance to align procurement activities with operational goals.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
As strong negotiation skills are crucial for this role, think of a few scenarios where you successfully negotiated terms with suppliers. Be ready to explain your approach and the outcomes, showcasing your ability to maintain cost-effectiveness while ensuring quality.
