At a Glance
- Tasks: Support purchasing and operations in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a collaborative team in an established manufacturing business.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, structured holiday system, and supportive team culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth and development within a small, close-knit team.
- Why this job: Be part of a hands-on role where no two days are the same.
- Qualifications: Confident communicator with strong organisational skills; experience in fast-paced environments preferred.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
We are seeking a proactive Purchasing & Operations Administrator to join a busy manufacturing environment, supporting purchasing, production and day-to-day operations. You do not need to have all these skills, but you do need to be confident, outgoing and super organised administrator.
Position: Purchasing & Operations Administrator
Hours: 40.5 hours per week - 8am-5pm Monday to Thursday and 8am-3pm Friday
Location: Lancaster
Closing date: Urgent role - CV's will be reviewed on a rolling basis
About the role
This is a varied, hands-on role within a small and collaborative office team supporting a busy manufacturing operation. While purchasing will be a key part of the position, you'll also get involved across maintenance, production support and general operations - so no two days are likely to be quite the same.
Working closely with the Procurement Controller and wider production team, key responsibilities will include:
- Purchasing materials in line with production plans and Bills of Materials (BOMs)
- Ordering consumables, equipment and services required by production
- Booking in deliveries and ensuring materials reach the correct location
- Tracking materials against production schedules to help avoid delays
- Liaising with suppliers regarding deliveries, quality, discrepancies and late orders
- Identifying and helping resolve recurring purchasing or data issues
- Maintaining accurate purchasing, maintenance and repair records
- Coordinating maintenance and repairs for plant and machinery
- Supporting waste disposal and management
- Reporting quality issues and contributing ideas for improvements
- Providing wider administrative and operational support when required
About you
We're ideally looking for someone who has worked within manufacturing, automotive, engineering, production or a similar fast-paced environment and understands the importance of having the right materials in the right place at the right time.
You'll be a confident communicator with good supplier-facing skills and strong attention to detail. You should be comfortable using Microsoft Office and databases, managing several priorities and following processes accurately.
Just as importantly, this is a small team, so you'll need to be someone who is happy to muck in, help colleagues and pick up additional tasks when needed. Reliability and punctuality are essential.
About the organisation
You'll be joining an established manufacturing business where the office team works closely together across purchasing, maintenance, training and production support. The factory operates a shutdown holiday system, meaning much of the annual leave is taken at set times. This typically includes two weeks during the summer, the Christmas shutdown and a week around Easter, with remaining holiday available as floating days.
Other roles you may have experience of could include: Purchasing Administrator, Procurement Administrator, Purchasing Assistant, Procurement Assistant, Materials Controller, Materials Planner, Production Administrator, Supply Chain Administrator, Operations Administrator, Manufacturing Administrator, Buyer, Junior Buyer, Production Coordinator or Purchasing Coordinator.
Purchasing & Operations Administrator employer: Not For Profit People
Not For Profit People is an exceptional employer that prioritises a collaborative work culture and continuous improvement, making it an ideal place for a QESH Manager to thrive. Located in Leicester, the company offers robust employee growth opportunities, a commitment to sustainability, and a strong focus on safety and compliance with ISO standards, ensuring that you can make a meaningful impact in your role. Join us to be part of a team dedicated to operational excellence and positive change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing & Operations Administrator
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Not For Profit People.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing & Operations Administrator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Not For Profit People:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Not For Profit People. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Not For Profit People.
How to prepare for a job interview at Not For Profit People
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Not For Profit People!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Not For Profit People. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Not For Profit People's culture.
