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- Tasks: Assist in pricing enquiries and maintain accurate internal price lists.
- Company: Join EP Group, a global leader in packaging manufacturing.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a fast-paced environment with growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team supporting major retailers like Amazon and McDonald's.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing and strong attention to detail required.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop negotiation skills and work with international suppliers.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
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 McDonald's.
We have an opportunity for a Purchasing 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 Purchasing 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: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:- 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.
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. A 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 in Birmingham employer: Euro Packaging UK Limited
Contact Detail:
Euro Packaging UK Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Assistant in Birmingham
✨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 its products. Show that you understand their market and how you can contribute as a Purchasing Assistant. Tailor your answers to reflect their values and needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Purchasing Assistant, you'll need to communicate effectively with suppliers. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build confidence before the real deal.
✨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 in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Purchasing Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience 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 our team. Mention specific examples of how you've handled pricing enquiries or managed data in previous roles.
Show Off Your Skills: We want to see your skills in action! If you have experience with SAP or Excel, make sure to mention it. Also, if you’ve got any negotiation skills or experience with overseas suppliers, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Euro Packaging UK Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into EP Group's products and their market position. Familiarise yourself with their key clients like Marks & Spencer and Amazon. This will not only show your interest but also help you answer questions about how you can contribute to their purchasing team.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
Since the role requires a keen eye for detail, prepare examples from your past experiences where your attention to detail made a difference. Whether it was maintaining accurate records or ensuring timely responses to pricing enquiries, be ready to share these stories.
✨Brush Up on Your Excel Skills
As a Purchasing Assistant, you'll likely be working with data and reports. Make sure you're comfortable with Excel functions and can discuss how you've used them in previous roles. If you have experience with SAP, mention that too!
✨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 purchasing department. This shows you're genuinely interested in the role and eager to contribute.
