At a Glance
- Tasks: Support stock management and purchasing processes to ensure optimal inventory levels.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Proactive Global, committed to equality and innovation.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in supply chain management with growth opportunities.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with potential for career advancement.
- Why this job: Be the key player in keeping our stock levels perfect and preventing shortages.
- Qualifications: Interest in supply chain or inventory analytics; analytical mindset and proactive communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
We are looking for a sharp, proactive Materials Management Assistant to support our Materials Management (MM) Lead. In this role, our primary focus is simple but critical: ensure we have the right stock, in the right place, at the right time. You will play a key hands-on role in the end-to-end purchasing cycle—from helping to create monthly replenishment offers to chasing suppliers and ensuring our system data is always accurate.
Key Responsibilities
- Procurement & Replenishment: Assist the MM Lead in the creation of monthly purchase offers to maintain optimal stock levels. Generate and process Purchase Orders (POs) based on inventory data and sales trends. Ensure alignment with suppliers regarding pricing, quantities, and delivery schedules.
- Order Management & Expediting: Maintain a constant check on the status of all open Purchase Orders. Proactively expedite purchase orders and communicate with suppliers to secure realistic, updated arrival dates. Act as the first line of defense against stock shortages by identifying at-risk orders.
- Data & Systems Accuracy: Ensure the inventory management system is updated with correct and current incoming stock dates.
- Communication & Administration: Monitor the Materials Management inbox diligently. Respond to internal queries regarding stock status and incoming deliveries. Identify and action any issues (delays & potential stockouts) in a timely manner, escalating to the MM Lead when necessary.
Who You Are
We are looking for someone with a natural curiosity for how things work. You don’t just process data—you ask why the stock is low or how to avoid future stock outs.
Essential Traits & Experience
- Interest in the Field: A genuine interest in purchasing, supply chain, or inventory analytics—proven by previous experience or a strong desire to learn.
- Analytical Mindset: Comfortable working with numbers, spreadsheets, and data to make decisions.
- Natural Curiosity: You question the status quo and want to understand the 'why' behind the numbers.
- Proactive Communicator: You are comfortable picking up the phone to chase a supplier or emailing a colleague to solve a problem.
- Organized: Ability to manage multiple open POs and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Desirable (but not essential)
- Previous experience in a purchasing/admin role within wholesale, distribution, or manufacturing.
- Familiarity with inventory management software or SAP.
Proactive Global is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Proactive Global is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.
Materials Management Assistant: Stock & PO Expert in Bedford employer: Energy Jobline ZR
Proactive Global is an excellent employer for those seeking a dynamic role in materials management, offering a supportive work culture that values curiosity and proactive communication. Located in Bedford, employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth within a collaborative environment, where their contributions directly impact the efficiency of supply chain operations. With a commitment to equality and a focus on employee development, Proactive Global stands out as a rewarding place to build a career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Materials Management Assistant: Stock & PO Expert in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their goals. This will help you stand out as someone who genuinely cares about the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Whether it’s chasing suppliers or discussing stock levels, being clear and confident in your conversations is key. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Materials Management Assistant: Stock & PO Expert in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Curiosity:When writing your application, let us see your natural curiosity shine through! Share examples of how you've questioned processes or sought to understand the 'why' behind stock levels. This will resonate with our desire for someone who doesn't just accept the status quo.
Be Data-Driven:Since this role involves a lot of data and numbers, make sure to highlight any experience you have with spreadsheets or inventory management systems. We want to know how you've used data to make decisions in the past—so don’t hold back!
Communicate Clearly:Effective communication is key in this role. In your application, demonstrate your proactive communication style. Whether it’s chasing suppliers or responding to internal queries, show us that you’re comfortable reaching out and solving problems.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Energy Jobline ZR
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your understanding of inventory management metrics and purchasing processes. Be ready to discuss how you would analyse stock levels and make data-driven decisions, as this role heavily relies on numbers and trends.
✨Show Your Curiosity
Demonstrate your natural curiosity by asking insightful questions about the company's current stock management practices. This shows that you're not just interested in the role but also in understanding the bigger picture and improving processes.
✨Communicate Proactively
Prepare to showcase your communication skills. Think of examples where you've effectively chased suppliers or resolved issues. Being able to articulate your approach to problem-solving will highlight your proactive nature.
✨Organise Your Thoughts
Since the role involves managing multiple POs, practice articulating how you prioritise tasks in a fast-paced environment. Share specific strategies you use to stay organised and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
