Assistant Buyer

Assistant Buyer

Full-Time 30000 - 33000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
K

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist in sourcing and procurement for international engineering projects.
  • Company: Dynamic international group with a focus on engineering and procurement.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, exposure to global markets, and career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Gain valuable insights into international supply chains and enhance your procurement skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in procurement or FMCG, strong numerical and communication skills.
  • Other info: Flexible working hours and a supportive team environment.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 33000 £ per year.

The Assistant Buyer role sits within the Engineering Department of a diversified international group operating across more than seven countries worldwide. Based at the London office, the role forms part of an international engineering procurement team responsible for sourcing spare parts and assemblies for manufacturing industries, primarily serving the Middle East market.

The role offers exposure to sourcing products from Europe and the Far East, providing valuable insight into international supply chains and global procurement practices.

Role:

  • Understanding internal stakeholder requirements and preparing Requests for Quotation (RFQs) accurately and efficiently
  • Receiving, analysing, comparing, and evaluating supplier quotations
  • Prepare cost comparison sheets and calculate margins
  • Preparing customer and internal offers using the company’s bespoke SAP system
  • Negotiating pricing, lead times, and commercial terms with vendors
  • Raising and processing purchase orders
  • Preparing procurement and management reports
  • Selection and development of vendors to best meet the specifications, quality and logistical requirements
  • Ensuring accurate and timely data entry within the in-house SAP system
  • Typing, proof reading and production of correspondence and documents using in-house style compliant templates
  • Monitoring and responding to telephone and email enquiries on behalf of the engineering team
  • Updating product brochures, catalogues, and marketing materials as required
  • Database management

Requirements:

  • Experience in FMCG is preferred, but will look at candidates from other industries with strong procurement experience and transferable skills
  • Strong commercial awareness and understanding of procurement principles
  • Familiarity with INCO terms & Forex / Exchange rates as this is an international trading environment
  • Ability to evaluate suppliers and negotiate favourable terms of business
  • Hands on ability to manage and enter enquiries, quotations and contracts onto computer systems
  • Strong numerical skills and high level of computer literacy
  • Good communication skills both verbal and written
  • Demonstrated experience with ERP systems is highly desirable, particularly SAP Business One
  • Ability to learn and deliver results
  • Fluency in English; knowledge of European languages would be an added advantage
  • High attention to detail, with a methodical and organised approach to work
  • A proactive, flexible, and “can-do” attitude
  • Have a flexible approach to working hours when necessary
  • Have the ability to prioritise work effectively
  • Be a confident user of MS Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
  • Have ability and enthusiasm for learning new systems and IT packages

Assistant Buyer employer: Key Selection Recruitment Limited

As an Assistant Buyer in our London office, you will join a dynamic and diverse international team within a leading engineering group that values innovation and collaboration. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and exposure to global procurement practices, making it an ideal environment for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers. With competitive salaries and the chance to engage with international supply chains, this role is perfect for individuals eager to make a significant impact in the engineering sector.
K

Contact Detail:

Key Selection Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

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 in sourcing and negotiating with suppliers.

Tip Number 3

Show off your tech skills! Familiarise yourself with SAP and other ERP systems, as well as Excel. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency can set you apart from other candidates.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer

Procurement Experience
Request for Quotation (RFQ) Preparation
Supplier Evaluation
Negotiation Skills
Cost Comparison Analysis
SAP System Proficiency
Data Entry Accuracy
Commercial Awareness
Numerical Skills
Communication Skills
ERP Systems Experience
Attention to Detail
Organisational Skills
MS Office Proficiency
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Buyer role. Highlight your procurement experience and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role and how your background aligns with our needs. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a bit of personality!

Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your numerical skills and familiarity with ERP systems like SAP. If you've got experience in FMCG or international procurement, make sure to mention it. We’re looking for those transferable skills!

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 get you into our system quickly. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Key Selection Recruitment Limited

Know Your Procurement Basics

Brush up on procurement principles and practices before the interview. Understand key concepts like RFQs, supplier evaluation, and negotiation tactics. This will show your potential employer that you’re not just familiar with the jargon but can also apply it in real-world scenarios.

Familiarise Yourself with SAP

Since the role involves using the company’s bespoke SAP system, it’s crucial to have a basic understanding of how ERP systems work. If you’ve used similar systems before, be ready to discuss your experience and how you can quickly adapt to new software.

Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills

Prepare to showcase your numerical skills and ability to analyse data. Bring examples of how you've previously evaluated supplier quotations or prepared cost comparison sheets. This will highlight your attention to detail and analytical mindset, which are essential for the Assistant Buyer role.

Show Off Your Communication Skills

As the role requires good verbal and written communication, think of instances where you’ve effectively communicated with stakeholders or vendors. Be ready to discuss how you handle enquiries and correspondence, as well as your approach to negotiating terms with suppliers.

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

K
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>