Purchasing Assistant

NOV is looking for a Purchasing Assistant to join their team in Great Yarmouth. The Purchasing Assistant is responsible for supporting the purchasing department in managing and processing purchase orders, maintaining inventory levels, and ensuring that products and services are procured at the best possible price and quality. This role involves close collaboration with suppliers, vendors, and internal departments to ensure timely and cost-effective acquisition of goods.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Order Processing: Assist in the preparation and processing of purchase orders. Ensure accuracy of orders, pricing, and terms of purchase.
• Vendor Communication: Communicate with suppliers and vendors to obtain product information, such as pricing and availability. Maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Inventory Management: Monitor inventory levels and notify management of potential shortages or excesses. Assist in conducting regular inventory audits and reconciliations.
• Data Management: Maintain and update purchasing records, reports, and price lists. Utilize purchasing software and systems to track and manage purchase orders and inventory.
• Cost Analysis: Assist in analysing price proposals and financial reports to determine reasonable pricing. Support cost-saving initiatives by identifying opportunities for cost reduction.
• Supplier Evaluation: Participate in evaluating supplier performance and maintaining a vendor rating system. Assist in sourcing new suppliers and vendors as needed.
• Administrative Support: Provide administrative support to the purchasing team, including scheduling meetings, preparing reports, and handling correspondence. Assist in resolving any issues related to purchase orders, invoices, and deliveries.
• Compliance and Documentation: Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures in all purchasing activities. Maintain accurate documentation and records for audit purposes.
• Other: Actively participate in training as required. Ensure that all statutory and regulatory safety and environmental requirements are adhered to in line with company procedures and policies. Ensure all company policies surrounding data control, health & safety, quality requirements and housekeeping are met. Support other departments and carry out other duties as and when business requirements dictate as may be reasonably expected by line manager. Be fully aware of personal workload, prioritise and organise to ensure deadlines are achieved.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Strategic: Able to adeptly learn the context of a challenge and quickly integrate new skills. An ability to understand, evaluate and apply technical information. Has solutions and suggestions that are effective in addressing the problem at hand.
• Operating: Ability to communicate with all levels of personnel / visitors / contractors, etc. Able to apportion time effectively to complete tasks. Provide colleagues with information they need to complete their tasks and eliminate roadblocks. Able to define, work within and improve business processes whilst exercising good judgement based on immediate and future business needs.
• Confidence: Aspiring and keen to advance within the organisation. Can be counted on to stand your ground in challenging situations and be willing to engage in disputes to settle them equitably.
• Energy: Will be energised by challenges and drawn towards opportunities.
• Organisational: Confident and professional when representing the company in person and in writing. Aspiring and keen to advance within the organisation.
• Personal and Interpersonal: A strong sense of customer focus (internal/external). Committed to self-improvement and development through the role to achieve career goals. Is known to consistently adhere to ethical principles and expects others to follow suit. A candid team player who collaborates with peers to solve problems.

Experience

• Knowledge and use of ERP system
• Stock Management
• Ability to read and interpret engineering specifications.

Skills, Training and Special Knowledge

• Computer literacy (including good command of Microsoft Office Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Good organisational skills.
• Excellent time management.
• Experience of ISO 9001:2015 management system.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance, Employee Assistance Programme
• Finance & Protection: Pension plan, Income protection, Life Assurance, Personal Accident coverage
• Flexible Benefits: Options available through salary sacrifice for you and your family, including Dental Insurance, Healthcare Cash Plan, Partner Life Assurance, Critical Illness cover, Retail vouchers, Gym membership, Cycle to work scheme, Travel Insurance