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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement activities and manage supplier relationships in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a growing organisation with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for travel, and career development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Understanding of procurement principles and experience with ERP systems preferred.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 29000 £ per year.
Are you ready to take your procurement career to the next level? We’re looking for a Purchasing Assistant to join a dynamic team supporting local and international purchasing activities. This is your chance to play a key role in sourcing, supplier management, and process improvement across a growing organization.
Job Purpose
Provide support and contribute to local purchasing activities, implementing key procurement strategies and contingency plans in line with organizational goals.
Job Context
Report to the Site Purchase Manager, supporting activities in the UK and interactions with subsidiary companies globally. Role based in Thame, UK, with occasional travel to suppliers domestically and abroad. Achieve defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for procurement functions. Actively participate in operational teams on a daily basis. Undertake duties as required to maintain or improve procurement function and supplier relationship management. Support projects external to procurement, including continuous improvement, sustainability, and new product introduction initiatives.
Job Dimensions
- Outsourcing and component development for parts and new products.
- Statutory documentation and master data maintenance in D365.
- Compliance with organizational procurement policies.
- Non-inventory (indirect) procurement support.
Key Accountabilities
- Ensure compliance with procurement policies and procedures.
- Assist in purchasing functions, including raising RFQs, preparing comparison statements, updating vendor trade agreements, maintaining approved vendors in D365, submission of price approvals, maintaining price logs, communicating prices to supply chain teams, raising OSRs for new parts, and quarterly price updates.
- Vendor onboarding documentation, arranging approvals, and maintaining records.
- Non-inventory purchasing: raising POs, expediting deliveries, monitoring overdue POs, monthly consumables, and tooling record management.
- Support annual maintenance contracts related to maintenance, facilities, and infrastructure.
Qualifications, Experience & Skills
- Understanding of procurement and purchasing principles.
- Working knowledge of ERP systems, preferably Microsoft Dynamics D365.
- Numeracy skills to interpret data and make commercial decisions.
- Experience in a manufacturing environment.
- GCSE-level numeracy and literacy (NVQ level 3 or above).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP systems.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills for cross-department collaboration.
- Effective time management and multitasking abilities.
- Proactive problem-solving approach.
- Resilience and flexibility.
Purchasing Assistant in Thame employer: KandD Recruitment
Contact Detail:
KandD Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Assistant in Thame
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the procurement field, attend industry events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement processes. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs, especially around supplier management and process improvement. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Purchasing Assistant, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate with suppliers. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that Purchasing Assistant role. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team. Let’s get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Assistant in Thame
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Purchasing Assistant role. Highlight relevant experience in procurement and any specific skills that match the job description, like your knowledge of ERP systems or your ability to manage supplier relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about procurement and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention any specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your skills.
Show Off Your Skills: In your application, be sure to showcase your numeracy skills and your proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP systems. We want to see how you can interpret data and make commercial decisions, so give us examples!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at KandD Recruitment
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on your understanding of procurement and purchasing principles. Be ready to discuss how these concepts apply to the role of a Purchasing Assistant, especially in relation to supplier management and process improvement.
✨Familiarise Yourself with D365
Since the job mentions Microsoft Dynamics D365, make sure you have a good grasp of how ERP systems work. If you can, practice navigating D365 or similar systems so you can confidently discuss your experience and how it relates to the tasks you'll be handling.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Think about potential scenarios you might face in the role, such as managing overdue POs or vendor onboarding. Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenges effectively.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
As a Purchasing Assistant, you'll need to collaborate with various teams. Be prepared to showcase your strong communication and interpersonal skills during the interview. Think of examples where you've successfully worked with others to achieve a common goal.