At a Glance
- Tasks: Support purchasing operations and manage supplier communications in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Dynamic company with an international team based in Germany.
- Benefits: Flexible remote work options, competitive pay, and valuable experience.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow in a supportive and collaborative workplace.
- Why this job: Join a structured team and develop your skills in procurement and administration.
- Qualifications: GCSE or A-Level education, strong organisational skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: Thorne (Office-based with occasional remote working)
Job Type: Temporary - ongoing contract
About the Role
We are looking for a highly organised and proactive Purchasing Assistant to provide general administrative support to central purchasing colleagues based in Germany. The role involves regular communication via online and telephone channels, conducted in English.
This is a full-time, office-based position with occasional remote working flexibility, as agreed with the line manager. The successful candidate will follow established processes and ensure all activities are completed in line with legal and compliance guidelines.
Key Responsibilities
- Support high-volume, fast-paced purchasing operations using a range of purchasing systems, including SAP SRM, Portal-M, and COUPA.
- Verify supplier certificate management status, including tracking and monitoring expiries.
- Request supplier sustainability self-assessment questionnaires and support supplier onboarding onto the B2B portal.
- Process low-value, high-volume purchase orders in line with established procedures.
- Provide support with tender management and maintain document records.
- Input and maintain data within purchasing trackers and dashboards.
Note: While supporting colleagues based in Germany, all communication will be conducted in English. Processes are clearly defined, and the role requires tasks to be completed consistently and accurately in line with documented procedures.
Skills & Experience
- Educated to GCSE or A-Level (or equivalent).
- Previous experience in an administrative, office-based role.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Proactive approach with the ability to respond quickly.
- Ability to multitask and prioritise workload in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Teams).
- Strong English language skills (written and verbal).
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking a detail-oriented and reliable individual who thrives in a structured environment. You will be comfortable working as part of an international team and capable of handling a high volume of tasks with accuracy and efficiency.
Purchasing Assistant / Procurement Assistant in Thorne employer: Hays
Join a dynamic team as a Purchasing Assistant in Thorne, where you will enjoy a supportive work culture that values organisation and proactivity. With opportunities for occasional remote working and a focus on employee growth, this role offers a chance to develop your skills in a fast-paced environment while collaborating with colleagues across Germany. Our commitment to compliance and structured processes ensures that you can thrive in your role, making it a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Assistant / Procurement Assistant in Thorne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work in procurement. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to purchasing and procurement. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to get comfortable with your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you have experience with SAP SRM or COUPA, make sure to highlight that in conversations. We want to see how you can bring value to the team!
✨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 the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Assistant / Procurement Assistant in Thorne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Purchasing Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience in administrative roles and your proficiency with purchasing systems like SAP SRM or COUPA. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your organisational skills and proactive approach, and don’t forget to show your enthusiasm for working with our international team.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be communicating with colleagues in Germany, it's essential to demonstrate your strong English language skills. Whether it's in your CV or cover letter, make sure to highlight your ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Systems
Familiarise yourself with the purchasing systems mentioned in the job description, like SAP SRM and COUPA. Being able to discuss your experience or knowledge of these systems will show that you're proactive and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Brush Up on Compliance
Since the role involves ensuring activities align with legal and compliance guidelines, it’s a good idea to review basic compliance principles related to procurement. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the importance of following established processes during the interview.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Highlighting your organisational skills will reassure the interviewer that you can handle the fast-paced environment they’re looking for.
✨Practice Your Communication
As communication will be primarily in English, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend to get comfortable discussing your qualifications and experiences in English.
