At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage stock control and purchasing for the Engineering department, ensuring efficiency.
- Company: Join Direct Table Foods, a leading name in the UK's food manufacturing industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 28 days holiday, and great employee discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring the right parts are available at the right time.
- Qualifications: Organised, proactive, with experience in administration or stock control preferred.
The predicted salary is between 29250 - 35750 £ per year.
Bury St Edmunds
Monday – Friday 08:00-16:00
Salary £31,909.50
Are you organised, commercially minded and great at keeping on top of the details? Do you enjoy being the person who makes sure the right parts are available at the right time — while keeping suppliers, systems and budgets in check? If so, we'd love to hear from you.
About Direct Table Foods
For more than 50 years, Direct Table Foods has been at the heart of the UK's food manufacturing industry. Based in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, we've grown into one of the UK's leading processors of bacon, gammon and sausage — combining a proud heritage with an ambitious vision for the future.
We're now looking for an Engineering, Purchasing & Stock Controller to join our Engineering team and play a key role in keeping our operation running efficiently.
What you'll be doing
- You'll take ownership of stock control and purchasing activities for the Engineering department, acting as a key point of contact for suppliers, vendors and internal teams.
- Your role will include:
- Managing purchase orders, engineering databases, stock systems and document reconciliation
- Ordering, receiving and issuing engineering parts
- Monitoring stock levels and ensuring appropriate reorder limits are maintained
- Managing the Pirana system
- Raising and managing maintenance contracts, monthly payments, external contractor payments and call-outs
- Producing management reports and providing regular updates
- Supporting the Engineering department during customer and compliance audits
- Helping manage the Engineering budget, providing weekly updates on forecast vs actual spend
- Identifying potential issues before they become problems and taking appropriate action
- Working closely with the Engineering team to ensure stock is available when it's needed
- Making sure purchases are cost-effective and deliver genuine value to the business
What we're looking for
We're looking for someone who is organised, proactive and comfortable juggling multiple priorities. You'll ideally have:
- Experience in administration or stock control, preferably within a manufacturing or engineering environment
- Excellent communication skills
- Intermediate Microsoft Office skills
- Experience using an EMS would be advantageous
- Strong organisation and multitasking skills
- A calm, practical approach when working under pressure
- The confidence to spot problems, take ownership and see things through
What's in it for you?
As well as a £31,909.50 salary, you'll receive:
- 28 days' holiday including bank holidays, with the option to buy up to 5 additional days
- Access to Grocery Aid, providing emotional, practical and financial support
- Access to our Benefits & Recognition Hub, packed with great colleague discounts and rewards
If you're looking for a role where your organisation, attention to detail and commercial approach can make a real difference, this could be the opportunity for you. Send us your CV and a brief introduction about yourself to find out more and take the next step with Direct Table Foods.
Engineering, Purchasing & Stock Controller in Bury St Edmunds employer: Direct Table Foods
Direct Table Foods is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture where teamwork and communication are valued. With competitive pay, opportunities for career progression, and convenient transport options, employees can thrive in a dynamic environment while enjoying benefits like overtime pay and access to a canteen with hot meals. Join us in Bury St Edmunds for a rewarding experience this Christmas season and beyond.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering, Purchasing & Stock Controller in Bury St Edmunds
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Direct Table Foods, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering, Purchasing & Stock Controller in Bury St Edmunds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Direct Table Foods specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Direct Table Foods
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Direct Table Foods, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Direct Table Foods value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
