Buyer/Purchasing Assistant (Poole)

Purchasing Assistant

Location: Poole, Dorset

Role Type: Full-time, permanent

Hybrid Working : 3 Days onsite

Reporting to: Supply Chain Manager

Role Profile

A great opportunity has risen for a Purchasing Assistant to join their supply chain team. In this role, you will be responsible for delivering high-levels of performance by optimising inventory levels, effective supplier management and supporting our servicing teams to meet customer expectations.

Main Responsibilities

• Ensure system data is effectively maintained, re-order policies are appropriate and MRP demand signals are interpreted to support efficient management of required materials.
• Effectively manage supplier relationships driving improved supplier performance, including supplier visits within the UK and overseas
• Prepare Request for Quotations (RFQ’s) and negotiate terms with potential suppliers
• Maintain SAP workflow tasks accordingly
• Work with Planning team to maintain optimised inventory levels whilst maximising performance to customers.
• Request order confirmation from suppliers and ensure they meet requirements and terms
• Expedite orders with suppliers and coordinate issuing of delivery schedule priorities.
• Action Quality Rejects and Quality Investigation Reports in a timely manner by liaising with suppliers and the quality personnel
• Action goods receipt discrepancies and queries in a timely manner by liaising with suppliers and the goods-inwards personnel
• Action invoice discrepancies and queries in a timely manner by liaising with suppliers and the finance personnel
• Participate in negotiations, secure capacity and forecasting
• Support the Supply Management function to record and monitor KPI’s to optimise supply chain performance in support of spares and production requirements
• Communicate progress and escalate recurring issues to key stakeholders
• Support other team members with regards to escalation of progressing issues with suppliers
• Maintain safe working practises for self and others in accordance with the Company’s policy on Health and Safety

Development Responsibilities

• Monitor, record and issue supplier “On Time Delivery” performance and support with the creation of action plans for improvement for under achieving suppliers
• Keep management aware of the Strategic performance level by monitoring and reporting status.
• Support implementation of Supply Chain Strategy, develop and maintain purchasing tools in line with Corporate and business requirement.
• Implement where appropriate LEAN principles to improve efficiency in the supply chain areas of the business. A mix of direct support, training and coaching will be required to achieve this across the various departments.

Person Specification

Experience in a buyer/purchasing role

• CIPS Qualified, or working towards qualification
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (SAP)
• Working in a manufacturing, engineering or technical environment
• Proven track record of driving improvements with suppliers – cost, quality, delivery.
• Strong IT skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office
• Hands-on buying experience, with ability to work under pressure

Working Hours

• 37.5 hours per week
• 08:00-16:45 (Monday-Thursday), 08:00-12:30 (Fridays)

Benefit Package

• 25 Days Holiday, plus bank holidays (32 total)
• Option to work or use holiday over the Christmas Period
• Pension Contribution; 3% employee, 8% employer
• Life Assurance – 4x annual salary
• Private Medical Cover
• Income Protection
• Employee Assistance Programme