At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchase orders, track deliveries, and ensure compliance with procurement policies.
- Company: Join OKA, a vibrant homeware retailer with a passion for beautiful living.
- Benefits: 33 days holiday, health cash plan, discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Enjoy a fast-paced atmosphere with opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values creativity and personal growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in admin or purchasing roles; ERP software knowledge is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Founded over 20 years ago by three entrepreneurial women with a passion for beautiful, practical and comfortable homes, OKA is more than a furniture and homeware retailer: it is a love affair with living well. We inspire people to confidently create a home that reflects their personality, a space where nothing should be too precious or perfect to be enjoyed with family and friends. British‑born, today we have 15 stores across the UK – an established interior design and trade business, a mail‑order service and a thriving website.
We are currently looking to recruit a full‑time Purchase Order Administrator to support our Merchandising team, based at our Head Office in Milton Park, Abingdon. The Purchase Order (PO) Administrator is responsible for managing the end‑to‑end purchase order process. This role ensures that all goods and services required by the company are ordered accurately, tracked efficiently, and delivered on time. The PO Administrator serves as the primary administrative link between internal departments and external vendors, maintaining meticulous records and ensuring compliance with company procurement policies.
Key Responsibilities- Review incoming purchase requisitions for accuracy, verify budget approvals, and generate formal purchase orders using the company ERP system.
- Process receipts from 3rd‑Party Warehouse.
- Transmit purchase orders to vendors, secure order acknowledgements, and confirm pricing and delivery dates.
- Monitor outstanding orders, identify potential delivery delays, and proactively contact suppliers to resolve fulfilment bottlenecks.
- Update inbound shipment dates and support freight forwarder(s) regarding container/adhoc deliveries.
- Cross‑reference purchase orders against physical delivery receipts and supplier invoices to verify quantities and pricing before routing to Accounts Payable.
- Maintain and update supplier master data, pricing files, and tracking logs within the internal database.
- Investigate and resolve discrepancies regarding short shipments, damaged goods, price variances, and incorrect invoices.
- Ideally experience in an administrative, purchasing, inventory control, or data entry role.
- Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) is preferred but not essential and proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel (VLOOKUPs, data filtering).
- Exceptional accuracy in processing high volumes of numerical data, part numbers, and complex specifications.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills for professional vendor management and internal team collaboration.
- Ability to analyse invoice discrepancies and independently resolve minor supplier disputes.
- A polite and positive manner.
- Actively seeks continuous personal improvement in the work environment.
- Ability to adapt in a fast‑moving business, taking on new challenges and responsibilities.
- Passion for the OKA brand.
- 33 days holiday (including bank holiday entitlement), pro‑rated, plus Length of Service increases.
- Day off for your birthday.
- Health Cash Plan.
- Enhanced Maternity Pay.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Eligibility for a discretionary company Bonus Scheme.
- Discounts on 60+ UK retailers via the My OKA benefits platform.
- Additional employee benefits including company pension scheme, life assurance cover, free eye tests, cycle‑to‑work scheme, interest‑free travel loans, social events, online wellbeing centre and more.
If successful you will become part of the OKA family, a fast‑paced and dynamic business.
Purchase Order Administrator in Abingdon employer: OKA Direct Ltd.
At OKA Direct LTD, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values creativity and collaboration in a vibrant work environment. Located in the picturesque Oxfordshire, our Head Office fosters a culture of support and growth, offering generous benefits such as 33 days of holiday, enhanced maternity pay, and a health cash plan, ensuring our employees feel valued and inspired. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to creating beautiful homes while enjoying numerous opportunities for personal and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchase Order Administrator in Abingdon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at OKA or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research OKA’s values and products, and think about how your skills match the role of Purchase Order Administrator. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable talking about your experience and how it relates to the job. Confidence is key when you’re trying to land that position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchase Order Administrator in Abingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Purchase Order Administrator role. Highlight any relevant administrative or purchasing experience, especially if you've worked with ERP systems or have strong Excel skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for the OKA brand and explain why you’re the perfect fit for the team. Be sure to mention specific experiences that relate to the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail:As a Purchase Order Administrator, accuracy is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to handle numerical data and complex specifications. Maybe include examples of how you've successfully managed similar tasks in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the hiring process!
How to prepare for a job interview at OKA Direct Ltd.
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Purchase Order Administrator, you'll be dealing with a lot of numerical data. Brush up on your Excel skills, especially VLOOKUPs and data filtering. Be ready to discuss how you've handled large volumes of data in the past and any specific challenges you overcame.
✨Understand the Supply Chain
Familiarise yourself with the end-to-end purchase order process. Research OKA's supply chain and think about how you can contribute to improving efficiency. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've managed orders or resolved discrepancies will show your understanding of the role.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Prepare to demonstrate how you've effectively collaborated with vendors and internal teams in previous positions. Think of examples where your communication helped resolve issues or improved processes.
✨Show Your Passion for OKA
OKA is all about creating beautiful homes, so let your passion for the brand shine through. Share what you love about their products and how you see yourself contributing to their mission. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a personal level.
