At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement processes and build strong supplier relationships in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join OCU Group, a fast-growing company in the procurement sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a vibrant team culture.
- Other info: Exciting career growth potential in a fast-paced industry.
- Why this job: Make an impact in procurement while developing your skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or supply chain and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
- Assistant Buyer
- Application Deadline: 25 October 2026
- Department: Corporate Services
- Reporting To: Anthony Madden
- Description
The Opportunity
Due to continued growth, we are looking for an Assistant Buyer to join our Procurement team at OCU Group.
This is a great opportunity for someone with experience in purchasing, procurement or supply chain who is looking to develop their career within a fast-paced and growing business.
Working closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers, you will support the procurement of goods and services across the business.
You'll play an important role in ensuring requirements are sourced efficiently, suppliers are managed effectively and spend is controlled.
This is a varied role offering exposure across supplier management, purchasing, cost analysis, contract support and the wider procure-to-pay process.
What you'll do
- Support the end-to-end procurement process, from initial requisition through to purchase order placement.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and service providers.
- Work closely with internal stakeholders to understand purchasing requirements and support future demand planning.
- Support the negotiation of pricing, supplier agreements and service levels.
- Assist with reviewing supplier quotations, contracts, terms and specifications.
- Ensure purchasing activity is completed in line with company policies, procedures and procurement requirements.
- Work closely with the Accounts Payable team to support an efficient procure-to-pay process and resolve purchasing queries.
- Monitor supplier performance, delivery requirements and invoice accuracy, addressing issues where required.
- Support the identification of alternative suppliers and sourcing options to reduce risk and improve supply chain resilience.
- Review procurement and spend data to identify opportunities for cost savings and improved efficiency.
- Support supplier compliance and diversity initiatives.
- Maintain accurate purchasing and supplier records.
- What you'll bring
Essential
- Previous experience within a Purchasing, Procurement, Buying or Supply Chain environment.
- Good understanding of the purchasing and procure-to-pay process.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Confidence working with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
- Good organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Commercial awareness and an understanding of cost and value.
- A proactive approach with strong problem-solving skills.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience within Construction, Utilities, Energy, Infrastructure or a similar operational environment.
- Experience negotiating with suppliers and supporting commercial agreements.
- Exposure to supplier performance management, KPIs or SLAs.
- Experience using procurement, ERP or purchasing systems.
- Experience reviewing procurement or spend data.
- Understanding of contracts, supplier terms and conditions.
- A relevant qualification in Procurement, Supply Chain or CIPS
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Assistant Buyer in Stockport employer: OCU Group
At OCU, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Greenwich where Quantity Surveyors can thrive. Our commitment to employee development is reflected in our 'Careers with Purpose' initiative, ensuring that every team member feels valued and supported while working on significant infrastructure projects. With competitive remuneration, opportunities for career progression, and a collaborative culture, OCU is the ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer in Stockport
✨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 OCU Group.
✨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 Assistant Buyer in Stockport
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 OCU Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to OCU Group. 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 OCU Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at OCU Group
✨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 OCU Group!
✨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 OCU Group. 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 OCU Group's culture.
