At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the CEO and CFO in purchasing, supplier management, and cost control.
- Company: Join a growing technical manufacturing business with a strong reputation for quality.
- Benefits: Salary between £27,000 - £30,000, with genuine progression opportunities.
- Other info: Friendly office culture with opportunities for long-term career development.
- Why this job: Take ownership of purchasing and make a real impact in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or strong administrative skills with supplier interaction.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 30000 £ per year.
Salary: £27,000 - £30,000 (negotiable depending on experience)
Location: Stansted / Bishop's Stortford area
Hours: 39.5 hours a week made up throughout the week with Friday afternoon off. Example: 7.45/8.15am-5pm/5.30 - Friday to 12.45pm
About the Company
A well-established and growing technical manufacturing and distribution business operating in a fast‑paced environment supplying technical components and products. The company has a strong reputation for quality, reliability and internal progression. The culture is collaborative and supportive, with a hands‑on approach where responsibilities often overlap and team members work closely together. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a business that genuinely invests in its people and promotes from within.
Role
This is a varied and hands‑on role supporting the CEO and CFO, with responsibility across purchasing, supplier management, cost control and administration. The position would suit either an experienced Purchasing Assistant looking to step up or someone with purchasing experience who is ready to take ownership of the purchasing function over time. You will be involved in sourcing and ordering a wide range of technical components, from small parts such as cable ties and fixings to electrical wiring and automation‑related products, ensuring that materials are delivered on time and at the best possible cost.
Key Responsibilities
- Raise and upload purchase orders onto SAP.
- Chase suppliers and monitor order progress to ensure timely delivery of parts and materials.
- Follow up outstanding orders and resolve supply issues proactively.
- Check pricing accuracy on orders and supplier invoices.
- Manage contract renewals and supplier agreements.
- Source and procure a wide range of components and materials.
- Benchmark suppliers and go to market to secure competitive pricing.
- Identify opportunities to reduce costs across stock, parts and office supplies.
- Support initiatives to improve procurement efficiency and supplier performance.
- Process invoices on SAP and maintain accurate purchasing records.
- Maintain documentation and reporting related to purchasing activity.
- Provide high‑level administrative and operational support to the CEO and CFO.
- Work closely with colleagues across departments in a collaborative environment.
- Adapt to a role where responsibilities may evolve and overlap.
- Act as a reliable and assertive point of contact for suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Qualifications
- Previous experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain or a strong administrative role with supplier interaction.
- Confident, assertive and resilient character, comfortable chasing suppliers and driving outcomes.
- Highly organised, proactive and detail‑oriented.
- Strong communication skills and commercial awareness.
- Experience using SAP or similar ERP systems (or the ability to learn quickly).
- Experience: 3 years required.
Desirable
- Knowledge of electrical wiring, automotive, automation or technical products.
- Experience within manufacturing, engineering or technical environments.
- Ambition to develop into a more senior purchasing role.
What's on Offer
- Salary of £27,000 - £30,000 depending on experience.
- Genuine progression opportunities, with the potential to take on greater responsibility within purchasing.
- Close exposure to senior leadership and decision‑making.
- Supportive, friendly office environment with a collaborative culture.
- A varied role offering real responsibility and long‑term career development.
Equal Employment Opportunity
All applicants will be considered fairly without regard to gender, race, disability or other protected characteristics.
Purchasing Administrator in Watford employer: Grand Arcade
Join a well-established technical manufacturing and distribution business in the Stansted/Bishop's Stortford area, where you will thrive in a collaborative and supportive culture that values internal progression. With a competitive salary and genuine opportunities for career development, this role as a Purchasing Administrator offers you the chance to take ownership of the purchasing function while working closely with senior leadership in a hands-on environment. Enjoy a varied role with real responsibilities and the benefit of a Friday afternoon off, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Administrator in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, or join online forums. 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 culture. Understand their products and values so you can show how you fit into their team. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role of Purchasing Administrator. We’re all about showcasing your skills and making you feel confident!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your interest in joining their awesome team.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Administrator in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight any relevant purchasing or administrative roles you've had, and don’t forget to showcase your 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 Purchasing Administrator role. Mention your experience with SAP and how you can contribute to our collaborative culture.
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves liaising with suppliers and internal teams, make sure to demonstrate your strong communication skills in your application. A clear and concise writing style will go a long way!
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’re considered for this fantastic opportunity with StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Grand Arcade
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of purchasing and procurement processes. Familiarise yourself with SAP or similar ERP systems, as this will likely come up in conversation. Being able to discuss your previous experiences and how they relate to the role will show that you're ready to take ownership.
✨Show Your Organisational Skills
As a Purchasing Administrator, being organised is key. Prepare examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects simultaneously. This could be anything from handling supplier communications to managing purchase orders. Highlighting your detail-oriented nature will impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be liaising with suppliers and internal stakeholders, it's crucial to showcase your strong communication skills. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to prepare a few scenarios where you've successfully resolved issues or negotiated better terms with suppliers.
✨Emphasise Your Team Spirit
The company values a collaborative culture, so be ready to discuss how you've worked effectively within a team. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues or contributed to group projects. Showing that you can adapt and thrive in a hands-on environment will resonate well with the interviewers.
