At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement operations and assist in strategic sourcing processes.
- Company: Dynamic retailer in Central London with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Generous staff discount, competitive pension scheme, hybrid working, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Excellent career progression and continuous training opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact in a thriving Retail/FMCG business while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or supply chain, strong analytical skills, and advanced Excel proficiency.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
DarcyBrook are working with a dynamic and prestigious retailer based in the heart of Central London. They pride themselves on a fast-paced, collaborative environment where strategic sourcing is at the core of their success.
They are seeking a highly analytical and detail-oriented Procurement Assistant to support their central Procurement operations. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring our sourcing processes run smoothly, cost-effectively, and on schedule. This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious professional who wants to make a tangible impact within a thriving Retail/FMCG business.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Sourcing Support: Assist the procurement team in the end-to-end administration of RFIs (Requests for Information), RFQs (Requests for Quotation), and RFPs (Requests for Proposal).
- Data Analysis & Reporting: Utilise advanced Excel skills to manipulate large datasets, track supplier performance, analyse cost variations, and forecast procurement needs.
- Vendor Management: Help maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with domestic and international suppliers, acting as a point of contact for daily queries.
- Purchase Order Management: Accurately raise, track, and manage Purchase Orders (POs) through the internal ERP system.
- Market Research: Conduct market and competitor analysis to identify new supply opportunities, track commodity price fluctuations, and stay ahead of retail supply chain trends.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with other departments to ensure strong stakeholder relationships.
- Compliance & Administration: Ensure all supplier contracts, compliance documents, and SLAs are kept up-to-date and meticulously filed.
The Ideal Candidate:
- Experience: Demonstrable experience working within a procurement, purchasing, or supply chain role—preferably within the retail, FMCG, or fashion sectors.
- Tendering Knowledge: Proven hands-on experience assisting with RFI, RFQ, and RFP processes is essential.
- Analytical Prowess: A highly analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable commercial insights.
- Technical Skills: Excellent, advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel (must be highly proficient with Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs/XLOOKUPs, and complex formulas).
- Attention to Detail: Pinpoint accuracy and an eagle eye for detail, especially when reviewing contracts, pricing structures, and invoices.
- Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to negotiate with suppliers and present data to internal stakeholders.
What We Offer:
- Generous staff discount across all our retail brands.
- Competitive Pensions Scheme.
- Hybrid working.
- Excellent career progression and continuous training opportunities.
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
Procurement Assistant in London employer: DarcyBrook Ltd Careers
At DarcyBrook Procurement & Supply Chain, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer in the heart of Poole, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through ongoing training opportunities and a supportive culture that values each team member's contributions. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team where your skills in logistics will not only be recognised but also rewarded, making a meaningful impact in the international supply chain landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Assistant in London
✨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 DarcyBrook Ltd Careers.
✨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 Procurement Assistant in London
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 DarcyBrook Ltd Careers:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to DarcyBrook Ltd Careers. 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 DarcyBrook Ltd Careers.
How to prepare for a job interview at DarcyBrook Ltd Careers
✨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 DarcyBrook Ltd Careers!
✨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 DarcyBrook Ltd Careers. 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 DarcyBrook Ltd Careers's culture.
