At a Glance
- Tasks: Support purchasing operations, manage stock, and source suppliers to keep our teams equipped.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on safety and efficiency in procurement.
- Benefits: Enjoy full training, 22+ days leave, pension scheme, and discounts with retailers.
- Other info: Clear career development pathways and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring vital supplies are always available for our teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or administration, strong Excel skills, and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Working closely with the Purchasing Team Leader, you will support the day‑to‑day operations of our purchasing department. You will play an important role in keeping our supply lines moving, managing stock, sourcing suppliers, and ensuring our busy operational teams have exactly what they need to keep people safe.
Responsibilities
- Raise purchase orders and accurately receive incoming deliveries using internal operating systems.
- Source local and national suppliers, obtain competitive pricing quotes, and build dependable, long‑term supplier relationships.
- Take ownership of the distribution, allocation, and tracking of vital PPE supplies and engineering consumables across the business.
- Support management teams by checking supplier invoices for accuracy, resolving pricing queries, and preparing simple cost‑tracking reports.
- Collaborate closely with internal accounts, finance, and logistics teams to ensure procurement processes are completed seamlessly and compliantly.
Qualifications
- Previous experience in a purchasing department, administration team, or accounts payable environment where you handled purchase orders, checked invoices, or dealt with suppliers.
- Prior exposure to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, Sage accounting software, or similar automated procurement tools. Full system training is provided.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, a professional telephone manner, and high proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Keen attention to detail to spot data inaccuracies, combined with strong time‑management skills to hit weekly invoicing and ordering schedules.
- GCSE Grade C/4 or above in both Maths and English (or equivalent).
Benefits
- Full training and clear career development pathways
- 22+ days annual leave + bank holidays
- Company pension scheme & sick pay scheme
- Free eye test every 2 years
- Access to Kinhub (wellbeing & financial support)
- Discounts with hundreds of retailers via Reward Gateway
Purchasing Assistant employer: hsl Compliance
As a Purchasing Assistant, you will thrive in a supportive and dynamic work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With comprehensive training, clear career pathways, and a strong emphasis on teamwork, our company fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive benefits including generous annual leave, a pension scheme, and access to wellbeing resources, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Assistant
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like hsl Compliance.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to hsl Compliance:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to hsl Compliance. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like hsl Compliance.
How to prepare for a job interview at hsl Compliance
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at hsl Compliance!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at hsl Compliance. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into hsl Compliance's culture.
