At a Glance
- Tasks: Support daily operations by managing stock levels and processing orders.
- Company: Join Chesterfield Borough Council's dynamic Purchasing and Stores team.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension scheme, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Great career growth potential in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that ensures essential materials are always available.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, good IT skills, and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 26427 - 26847 £ per year.
Salary details: £26,427 to £26,847 per annum
Job term: Permanent
Appointment type: Full time
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: Stonegravels Depot
Department: Central Services
Candidates must possess the necessary right to work authorisation to enable them to work for Chesterfield Borough Council. Regrettably, we are unable to provide sponsorship or assume sponsorship of an employment visa at this juncture.
Are you organised, methodical and great at keeping track of the detail? We have an opportunity for a Purchasing Assistant to join our Purchasing and Stores team within Housing Property Services. This is a varied role supporting the effective day-to-day management of materials, equipment, stock and workwear used by our operational teams. You’ll play an important part in making sure the right materials are available when they are needed, helping our repairs and maintenance services run efficiently.
About the role
As Purchasing Assistant, you will support the day-to-day operation of the Stores function, helping to maintain appropriate stock levels, process orders and goods receipts, and ensure accurate stock and purchasing records are maintained. Working closely with the Purchasing Officer, suppliers and colleagues across Housing Property Services, your responsibilities will include:
- raising purchase orders and arranging the replenishment of building materials and stock items;
- monitoring and maintaining stock levels to support operational requirements;
- updating stock records and investigating discrepancies;
- ordering PPE and workwear for Council employees;
- processing goods receipts and ensuring deliveries are checked and recorded accurately;
- supporting the accurate and timely payment of invoices through effective receipting processes;
- maintaining records relating to deliveries, supplier issues and waste documentation;
- supporting stock checks and maintaining clear and accurate audit trails.
About you
We’re looking for someone who is organised, accurate and comfortable working in a busy operational environment. You’ll need to be able to prioritise your workload effectively, maintain accurate records and communicate confidently with colleagues and suppliers. You should also have:
- GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Mathematics, or equivalent;
- good IT and data-entry skills;
- experience of using databases, spreadsheets, word-processing and other software applications;
- excellent attention to detail;
- good organisational and communication skills;
- the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Previous experience within a purchasing, stores, warehouse or stock-control environment would be an advantage, as would an NVQ or other relevant qualification in Business Administration, Warehousing or a related area.
What we offer
In return, you’ll have access to a range of benefits including:
- generous annual leave entitlement;
- membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme;
- a range of employee benefits;
- ongoing training and development opportunities.
Closing date: 22 November 2026
Provisional interview date: To be confirmed
Job Vacancy - CBC26091 - Purchasing Assistant employer: Chesterfield Borough Council
Chesterfield Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. As an Assistant Customer Experience Manager at our vibrant cultural venues, you will enjoy flexible working hours, competitive pay, and opportunities for growth within a community-focused organisation dedicated to enhancing local experiences.
Contact Details:
Chesterfield Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Job Vacancy - CBC26091 - Purchasing Assistant
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Chesterfield Borough Council.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Job Vacancy - CBC26091 - Purchasing Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Chesterfield Borough Council:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Chesterfield Borough Council. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Chesterfield Borough Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chesterfield Borough Council
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Chesterfield Borough Council!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Chesterfield Borough Council. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Chesterfield Borough Council's culture.
