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- Tasks: Assist in pricing enquiries and maintain accurate product information.
- Company: Global packaging manufacturer with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced team and make an impact in a global company.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing and strong attention to detail required.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career development in a supportive team.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham / Onsite
EP Group is a global packaging manufacturer with production facilities across Europe and South East Asia. We specialise in a range of paper and plastic based packaging products, selling to many of the world’s largest retailers including Marks & Spencer, Amazon and McDonalds.
We have an opportunity for a Category Assistant to join our purchasing team in our Birmingham Head Office. The role will be responsible for assisting the Category Managers with day to day pricing enquiries from our sales teams. The Category Assistant will research and source pricing and product information and accurately maintain internal price lists.
If you are a motivated, driven and highly organised individual who has a good eye for detail and accuracy, we would like to hear from you!
Role purpose – Category Assistant: To manage all of the day to day enquiries, queries and admin tasks within the category, providing other departments within the business with accurate information in a timely manner. Providing support to the category manager & wider department with any project or reporting work that arises, ensuring all timescales are met and work is done to the required standard. Researching the market and supply base at sub-category level and keeping records of the information gathered.
Key accountabilities – Category Assistant:
- Requests for pricing – Complete enquiries accurately and within defined timescales.
- Data – Ensure data regarding product, suppliers etc is set up and maintained accurately.
- Account support – Be the first point of contact for the account support functions.
- Reports – Generate and maintain departmental and category specific reports e.g. Category spend/margin, Raw Material tracking.
- Meetings – Attend supplier meetings, prepare pre-meeting reports with KPI trackers and take and file minutes.
- New suppliers – Research, assess and make initial contact with potential new suppliers, updating the supplier intelligence matrix.
- Samples – Organise and label supplier samples rotating new/obsolete to make sure storage is available at all times.
- Sub Category Management – Take ownership of a sub-category, producing a cost saving plan and undertaking tender activity.
Essential Experience / Special requirements – Category Assistant:
- Experience in a purchasing/buying role dealing directly with overseas suppliers.
- This is a fast paced environment and attention to detail is paramount, as is the ability to communicate with people internally and externally on all levels.
- Second language would be of benefit.
- Good level of numeracy.
- Prioritisation Abilities.
- Ability to self-manage.
Technical / Functional skills:
- Experience of using SAP beneficial, but not essential.
- Excel.
- Outlook.
- Word.
- Powerpoint.
- Negotiation Skills.
Purchasing Assistant employer: EP Group
Contact Detail:
EP Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential employers on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their market position and be ready to discuss how your skills can help them succeed. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to purchasing and supplier management. Being articulate and confident can really set you apart from the competition.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Purchasing Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience you have in purchasing or dealing with suppliers, and don’t forget to showcase your attention to detail and organisational skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role. Mention specific examples of how you've handled pricing enquiries or managed data in the past.
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t be shy about your skills! If you’ve got experience with Excel, SAP, or any other relevant tools, make sure to mention them. We love seeing candidates who can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at EP Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s products and their market position. Familiarise yourself with EP Group's packaging solutions and their major clients like Marks & Spencer and Amazon. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions more confidently.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
As a Category Assistant, being organised is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Highlight how you maintained accuracy in data handling and met tight deadlines, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Brush Up on Your Excel Skills
Since the role involves generating reports and maintaining data, make sure you're comfortable with Excel. If you can, practice creating pivot tables or using formulas. You might even get asked about your proficiency during the interview, so be ready to discuss your experience.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the challenges they face in sourcing, or how they measure success in the role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
