At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement activities, manage orders, and build strong supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a growing SME in the defence sector with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, profit share bonus, and support for professional qualifications.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse supply chains.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification or relevant experience in procurement.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 39000 £ per year.
Role: Graduate or Junior Assistant Buyer / Procurement Administrator
Team: Operational
Location: Central Bristol
Onsite: 4x days a week with Friday as WFH
Salary: £28,000 - £39,000
Benefits: Profit share bonus £5,000 - £10,000 on top of your salary per annum guaranteed and support for professional qualifications.
The Role: We are looking for a proactive and detail-focused Assistant Operational Procurement Officer to join our growing Procurement team. This role sits at the heart of our day-to-day supply chain activity, ensuring materials and services are delivered on time, in full, and to the highest standard. Working in a fast-paced SME environment, you will play a key role in maintaining supply continuity through close, consistent supplier engagement. You will act as a primary point of contact for suppliers, building strong, collaborative relationships, driving clear communication, and ensuring commitments are understood and met. Through regular interaction, proactive follow-up, and effective issue resolution, you will help strengthen supplier performance and reliability. You will support project delivery across the business, working closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers to align priorities, manage expectations, and keep critical deliveries on track. This role forms part of a collaborative Procurement function, and responsibilities may flex across both Operational and Sourcing activities as required to support business priorities. While core accountabilities are defined, the role holder will be expected to adapt to the evolving needs of the business and contribute across the wider Procurement team.
Assistant Procurement Officer (Entry/Mid-Level) Key Responsibilities:
- Raise and manage purchase orders in line with business requirements and procurement processes
- Actively manage the orderbook to ensure on-time delivery and accurate supplier commitments
- Expedite deliveries and proactively resolve supply or delivery issues
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers
- Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders including Sourcing, Projects, Bids & Business Development
- Support supplier performance through regular engagement and follow-up
- Ensure accurate system data and maintain strong attention to detail across all procurement activities
- Identify risks within the supply chain and escalate where required
Requirements for someone entry level:
- Degree-level qualification (or working towards)
- Project management experience in procurement (Defence sector preferred)
- APM membership desirable
- Strong Excel and data analysis skills
- Microsoft Project familiarity (desirable)
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel
Requirements for someone with experience:
- Strong understanding of procurement fundamentals (PO placement, supplier management, orderbook control)
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
- A proactive, self-motivated, 'can-do' attitude with the ability to work at pace
- Strong communication, relationship-building and engagement skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic SME environment
- Comfortable working cross-functionally with internal and external stakeholders
- MRP / ERP experience and ability to learn and adapt to new systems
- Full driving licence and willingness to travel within the UK and internationally
- Ability to obtain the relevant Security Clearance (SC)
- Interest in or experience within the defence sector (desirable)
- Applicable qualifications: CIPS, APICS, NVQ or Degree in Procurement (desirable)
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a collaborative, growing SME delivering critical solutions into the defence sector
- Work in a fast-paced, high-impact environment where your contribution is visible and you can make a real difference to both the team and wider organisation
- Join a supportive and forward-thinking Procurement team that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and shared success
- Opportunities for development and progression within Procurement, with exposure across both Operational and Sourcing activities, as well as the opportunity to gain Project-related experience
- Be part of a function that is evolving, giving you the chance to contribute ideas, shape processes, and influence how we work
- Gain exposure to a wide and varied supply chain, building strong supplier relationships and developing your commercial and operational skillset
- Competitive salary and benefits package, including profit share bonus scheme
How to Apply
Please email a CV to danni@cortechtalentsolutions.co.uk
Junior Assistant Buyer / procurement administrator in Bristol employer: Cortech Talent Solutions Ltd
Cortech offers an exceptional work environment in Central Bristol, where you can thrive as a Junior Assistant Buyer within a collaborative and dynamic SME. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in procurement while enjoying a competitive salary, profit share bonuses, and a supportive team culture that values your contributions and encourages professional growth.
Contact Details:
Cortech Talent Solutions Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Assistant Buyer / procurement administrator in Bristol
✨Get into the Right Communities
Join online forums and local meetups tailored to procurement and purchasing professionals. Groups on platforms like LinkedIn can be super helpful for connecting with seasoned pros and staying updated on industry trends. It's a great way for us to learn the ropes and find out about potential job openings!
✨Leverage Your University Network
If you're still at uni or just graduated, tap into your career services! They often have connections with companies looking for entry-level procurement talent. Plus, attending career fairs can put you face-to-face with employers—like Cortech Talent Solutions Ltd—who are keen to discover fresh talent.
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
Consider volunteering for projects or internships that allow you to demonstrate your procurement skills. Whether it’s managing resources for an event or helping local businesses streamline their purchasing process, these hands-on experiences can make your application stand out and show hiring managers your ability to contribute.
✨Don't Just Stick to Online Applications
While applying through our website is a must, be proactive! Reach out to potential employers directly, like Cortech Talent Solutions Ltd. A polite email expressing your interest in their entry-level roles could make a memorable impression. You never know what doors might open if you take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Assistant Buyer / procurement administrator in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Skills:For an entry-level role in procurement and purchasing, it’s super important to showcase any analytical skills, attention to detail, and organisational abilities. If you've done any projects or coursework relevant to supply chain management or procurement in your studies, make sure to mention that experience in your CV!
Show Your Passion for Procurement:Use your cover letter to express your interest in procurement and why you're excited about this specific opportunity at Cortech Talent Solutions Ltd. Talk about your eagerness to learn and how you can contribute to their purchasing strategy. A little enthusiasm can go a long way!
Include Any Relevant Experience:Even if you don’t have direct procurement experience, consider including any internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work that demonstrate your skills in negotiation, relationship building, or project management. These transferable skills are just as important for an entry-level role!
Tailor Your Application for Cortech Talent Solutions Ltd:When applying, take the time to customise your CV and cover letter for Cortech Talent Solutions Ltd. Mention their values and any specific procurement challenges they face that you’d love to help with. This shows not just your effort, but also your genuine interest in the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cortech Talent Solutions Ltd
✨Get to Grips with Basic Procurement Concepts
Before your interview for the Junior Assistant Buyer / procurement administrator at Cortech Talent Solutions Ltd, brush up on key procurement terms and processes. Knowing the difference between strategic sourcing and operational purchasing can go a long way in showcasing your knowledge and eagerness to learn!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Procurement relies heavily on analysis, so be prepared to tackle some case studies or numerical questions during your interview. Reflect on any academic projects or coursework where you've used data analysis to make purchasing decisions, as these will highlight your problem-solving skills to the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Entry-level roles often focus on your potential rather than extensive experience. Get ready for behavioural questions that explore how you handle teamwork or problem-solving. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and relate them back to any group projects or internships you've done.
✨Research Current Trends in Procurement
Being up-to-date with the latest trends can set you apart as a fresh candidate eager to contribute. Familiarise yourself with sustainable sourcing practices or digital procurement technologies, and bring these up during your interview to impress the hiring team at Cortech Talent Solutions Ltd with your insights!
