At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchase orders, track deliveries, and communicate with suppliers to ensure smooth operations.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at a leading home furnishings brand in Milton Park.
- Benefits: 33 days holiday, health cash plan, discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant workplace with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Be the vital link between departments and vendors, making a real impact on our supply chain.
- Qualifications: Experience in admin or purchasing roles; ERP software knowledge is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
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
- Order Processing: Review incoming purchase requisitions for accuracy, verify budget approvals, and generate formal purchase orders using the company ERP system.
- Booking In: Processing receipts from 3rd Party Warehouse.
- Supplier Communication: Transmit purchase orders to vendors, secure order acknowledgements, and confirm pricing and delivery dates.
- Order Tracking & Expediting: Monitor outstanding orders, identify potential delivery delays, and proactively contact suppliers to resolve fulfilment bottlenecks.
- Shipping: Updating inbound shipment dates. Support point of contact for freight forwarder(s) regarding container/adhoc deliveries.
- Data Reconciliation (Three-Way Match): Cross-reference purchase orders against physical delivery receipts and supplier invoices to verify quantities and pricing before routing to Accounts Payable.
- Database Maintenance: Maintain and update supplier master data, pricing files, and tracking logs within the internal database.
- Dispute Resolution: Investigate and resolve discrepancies regarding short shipments, damaged goods, price variances, and incorrect invoices.
About You
- 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 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.
Benefits
- 33 days holiday (including bank holiday entitlement), pro rata, 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 My OKA benefits platform.
- Plus a suite of 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.
Purchase Order Administrator in Milton employer: OKA
At our Head Office in Milton Park, Abingdon, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values accuracy, collaboration, and personal growth. As a Purchase Order Administrator, you will enjoy a supportive work culture with ample opportunities for professional development, alongside generous benefits such as 33 days of holiday, enhanced maternity pay, and access to a health cash plan. Join us to be part of a dynamic team where your contributions are recognised and rewarded, all while enjoying discounts from over 60 UK retailers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchase Order Administrator in Milton
✨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 OKA.
✨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 Purchase Order Administrator in Milton
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 OKA:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to OKA. 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 OKA.
How to prepare for a job interview at OKA
✨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 OKA!
✨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 OKA. 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 OKA's culture.
