Purchasing Assistant in Dundee

Purchasing Assistant in Dundee

Dundee Entry level 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Koch Inc.

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support procurement in electronic manufacturing and manage purchase orders with a dynamic team.
  • Company: Join a leading company in electronic manufacturing with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Great chance to learn and grow in a supportive, diverse workplace.
  • Why this job: Be part of a fast-paced environment where your contributions directly impact production success.
  • Qualifications: 2-5 years in purchasing or materials roles; ERP/MRP knowledge is a plus.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

A Purchasing Assistant supports day-to-day procurement in electronic manufacturing. This role involves working with procurement, planning, and production teams to manage purchase orders, support MRP execution, maintain supplier relationships, and optimize cost and inventory.

Key Responsibilities

  • Create, issue, and manage purchase orders in the ERP system in line with approved requisitions and MRP signals.
  • Monitor supplier confirmations, shipment dates, and delivery schedules, following up to ensure on-time delivery.
  • Maintain accurate purchasing data including pricing, lead times, and material master information.
  • Support sourcing of low-to-medium-value components, consumables, and indirect materials.
  • Assist cost-reduction initiatives by collecting pricing data, analyzing supplier quotes, and preparing comparison reports.
  • Review MRP messages and exceptions, taking action to expedite, reschedule, or cancel orders as required.
  • Partner with production planners to resolve material shortages, delays, and unexpected demand.
  • Monitor inventory levels to prevent stockouts, overstock, and obsolescence—particularly for electronic components.
  • Communicate with suppliers regarding delivery performance, pricing issues, quality concerns, and documentation.
  • Support resolution of invoice discrepancies and goods receipt issues.
  • Assist with supplier onboarding activities, documentation collection, and basic performance tracking.
  • Generate purchasing and materials reports (open POs, shortages, price variances) for internal stakeholders.
  • Maintain procurement documentation including certificates of conformity, RoHS/REACH declarations, and material specifications.
  • Support audits related to procurement processes, supplier evaluation, and material traceability.
  • Ensure compliance with company procurement policies, sourcing guidelines, and manufacturing standards.

Basic Qualifications

  • 2–5 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or materials roles within a manufacturing or production environment (relevant experience may substitute for formal qualifications).
  • Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and purchasing processes.
  • Experience supporting material planning, purchase order management, and supplier communication.
  • Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail and data accuracy.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Outlook, Word).
  • Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in electronic manufacturing environments or with electronic component suppliers (e.g., semiconductors, PCB assemblies, passives).
  • Experience working with mechanical component suppliers (e.g., machine shops, metal fabricators, plating suppliers).
  • Understanding of supply chain concepts such as lead times, MOQs, safety stock, and demand planning.
  • Basic negotiation experience related to pricing and delivery terms.
  • Exposure to ISO-certified manufacturing environments.
  • CIPS Level 2–3, APICS CPIM fundamentals, or ERP/MM training certifications.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

  • Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods (minimum 2 hours).
  • Ability to move throughout office, warehouse, and manufacturing environments.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and carry up to 25 pounds.
  • Ability to bend, reach, kneel, twist, and perform repetitive motions.
  • Manual dexterity to operate office equipment.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and changing workloads safely.
  • Ability to respond to visual and auditory cues.
  • Compliance with all Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) policies, training, and requirements.
  • Willingness to work in manufacturing environments where noise levels may be elevated and PPE is required.

EEO Statement

All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers.

Purchasing Assistant in Dundee employer: Koch Inc.

As a Purchasing Assistant at our electronic manufacturing facility, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation. We offer competitive benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to employee development, ensuring you can advance your career while contributing to meaningful projects. Join us in a supportive environment where your contributions are valued, and enjoy the unique advantage of working in a cutting-edge industry that is pivotal to technological advancement.

Koch Inc.

Contact Details:

Koch Inc. Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Purchasing Assistant in Dundee

Get into the Right Communities

Join online forums and local meetups tailored to procurement and purchasing professionals. Groups on platforms like LinkedIn can be super helpful for connecting with seasoned pros and staying updated on industry trends. It's a great way for us to learn the ropes and find out about potential job openings!

Leverage Your University Network

If you're still at uni or just graduated, tap into your career services! They often have connections with companies looking for entry-level procurement talent. Plus, attending career fairs can put you face-to-face with employers—like Koch Inc.—who are keen to discover fresh talent.

Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time

Consider volunteering for projects or internships that allow you to demonstrate your procurement skills. Whether it’s managing resources for an event or helping local businesses streamline their purchasing process, these hands-on experiences can make your application stand out and show hiring managers your ability to contribute.

Don't Just Stick to Online Applications

While applying through our website is a must, be proactive! Reach out to potential employers directly, like Koch Inc.. A polite email expressing your interest in their entry-level roles could make a memorable impression. You never know what doors might open if you take that extra step!

We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Assistant in Dundee

ERP/MRP Systems
Purchase Order Management
Supplier Communication
Organisational Skills
Attention to Detail
Data Accuracy
Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Relevant Skills:For an entry-level role in procurement and purchasing, it’s super important to showcase any analytical skills, attention to detail, and organisational abilities. If you've done any projects or coursework relevant to supply chain management or procurement in your studies, make sure to mention that experience in your CV!

Show Your Passion for Procurement:Use your cover letter to express your interest in procurement and why you're excited about this specific opportunity at Koch Inc.. Talk about your eagerness to learn and how you can contribute to their purchasing strategy. A little enthusiasm can go a long way!

Include Any Relevant Experience:Even if you don’t have direct procurement experience, consider including any internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work that demonstrate your skills in negotiation, relationship building, or project management. These transferable skills are just as important for an entry-level role!

Tailor Your Application for Koch Inc.:When applying, take the time to customise your CV and cover letter for Koch Inc.. Mention their values and any specific procurement challenges they face that you’d love to help with. This shows not just your effort, but also your genuine interest in the role!

How to prepare for a job interview at Koch Inc.

Get to Grips with Basic Procurement Concepts

Before your interview for the Purchasing Assistant at Koch Inc., brush up on key procurement terms and processes. Knowing the difference between strategic sourcing and operational purchasing can go a long way in showcasing your knowledge and eagerness to learn!

Show Off Your Analytical Skills

Procurement relies heavily on analysis, so be prepared to tackle some case studies or numerical questions during your interview. Reflect on any academic projects or coursework where you've used data analysis to make purchasing decisions, as these will highlight your problem-solving skills to the interviewers.

Prepare for Behavioural Questions

Entry-level roles often focus on your potential rather than extensive experience. Get ready for behavioural questions that explore how you handle teamwork or problem-solving. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and relate them back to any group projects or internships you've done.

Research Current Trends in Procurement

Being up-to-date with the latest trends can set you apart as a fresh candidate eager to contribute. Familiarise yourself with sustainable sourcing practices or digital procurement technologies, and bring these up during your interview to impress the hiring team at Koch Inc. with your insights!