Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support purchasing and inventory management to ensure timely production.
- Company: Established manufacturing business in Manchester with a hands-on approach.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, full-time role, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a thriving industry.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and play a key role in production success.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or inventory management; MRP system knowledge preferred.
We're supporting a well-established manufacturing business in Manchester that is looking to appoint a Purchasing & Inventory Assistant. This is a hands-on role focused on raw material purchasing, inventory management, MRP discipline, purchase order progression, and production support. It would suit someone from a manufacturing, aerospace, metals, engineering, or materials-led environment where stock accuracy and production timelines really matter.
You'll support the Purchasing and Supply Chain team by making sure materials are ordered, tracked, updated and available for production on time. A major part of the role is using MRP/ERP systems to check material availability, support production planning, manage inventory, and help ensure customer orders are delivered without delay.
Key responsibilities:- Manage and support raw material inventory activity
- Use MRP to check stock availability and support production schedules
- Raise, update and progress purchase orders
- Add pricing, shipping and delivery updates to purchase orders
- Liaise with Sales, Production, Purchasing and Supply Chain teams
- Work with suppliers to progress deliveries and resolve issues
- Support intercompany purchase orders and internal updates
- Help ensure the correct materials are available at the right time
- Produce reports and updates on purchasing, suppliers and inventory
- Support improvements across purchasing and stock control
- Experience in purchasing, inventory, supply chain or materials planning
- Strong understanding of MRP and inventory management
- ERP/MRP system experience, ideally Microsoft Dynamics AX or similar
- Manufacturing background; aerospace, metals, engineering or raw materials experience would be ideal
- Strong Microsoft 365 and general IT skills
- Good communication and organisation skills
- Comfortable working across Sales, Production and Supply Chain
- Detail-focused, practical and confident managing order updates
- CIPS qualification
- Degree, A Levels or equivalent
- Previous experience in a purchasing team within a manufacturing business
Package: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week, Flexible working hours, Full-time on site, Manchester-based role.
Purchasing Assistant in Manchester employer: Insignis
Contact Detail:
Insignis Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Assistant in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the manufacturing and supply chain sectors. Use LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals and join relevant groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your MRP and ERP knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you've used these systems in past roles. We want to see that you can hit the ground running and support production planning effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills! Bring examples of how you've managed inventory or improved purchasing processes in previous jobs. This will demonstrate your attention to detail and ability to keep things running smoothly.
✨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 engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Assistant in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in purchasing and inventory management. We want to see how your background fits with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your skills in MRP systems and any relevant industry experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your previous experiences make you the perfect fit. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear understanding of what we do.
Showcase Your Tech Skills: Since the role involves using MRP/ERP systems, make sure to mention your experience with these tools, especially if you’ve worked with Microsoft Dynamics AX. We’re keen on candidates who are comfortable with technology and can hit the ground running.
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and ready to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Insignis
✨Know Your MRP Systems
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of MRP and ERP systems, especially if you've worked with Microsoft Dynamics AX or similar. Be ready to discuss how you've used these systems in past roles to manage inventory and support production schedules.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be liaising with various teams like Sales, Production, and Supply Chain, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively collaborated with different departments to resolve issues or improve processes.
✨Be Detail-Oriented
This role requires a keen eye for detail, especially when managing purchase orders and inventory updates. During the interview, highlight instances where your attention to detail made a significant impact on stock accuracy or production timelines.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in purchasing and inventory management. Think of specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them, particularly in a manufacturing context.