At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage inventory, build supplier relationships, and analyse purchasing performance.
- Company: Join a leading specialist distributor in a growing Bristol operation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual profit share, and comprehensive training.
- Other info: Great long-term career progression and supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with hands-on experience in purchasing and commercial operations.
- Qualifications: Degree level education or equivalent, strong analytical skills, and confidence in communication.
Location: Bristol / Avonmouth
Salary: £30,000–£32,000 + Annual Profit Share
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm
An excellent opportunity for an ambitious graduate or early-career professional to join a successful and growing business in a varied role combining purchasing, inventory management, supplier relationships and commercial analysis. Our client is a leading specialist distributor supplying a broad range of products from well-known manufacturers to customers across the UK. The Bristol operation is growing and investing in its commercial team, with this role created to strengthen purchasing, inventory management and supplier relationships.
This is not simply an administrative purchasing position. Alongside managing stock and buying activity, you’ll be encouraged to build strong supplier relationships, develop your commercial awareness and become increasingly involved in wider business opportunities.
The Role
- Managing inventory levels across a broad product range
- Placing and managing purchase orders
- Monitoring stock turnover and purchasing performance
- Analysing sales trends, buying patterns and future demand
- Producing and analysing reports using Excel
- Building strong relationships with manufacturers and suppliers
- Negotiating pricing, terms and commercial arrangements
- Working with supplier representatives to identify opportunities
- Supporting supplier promotions and wider commercial initiatives
- Improving stock availability and purchasing efficiency
- Working closely with sales, operations and management teams
- Taking on wider commercial responsibilities as you develop
A key part of the role will be developing the supplier side beyond simply placing orders. You’ll get to know key manufacturers and their representatives, understand their businesses and help develop stronger commercial relationships. Over time, there will be scope to take greater ownership of key suppliers, purchasing projects and wider commercial initiatives.
About You
This opportunity would particularly suit a graduate or someone in the early stages of their career who enjoys working with numbers and data but also has the communication skills and confidence to build strong professional relationships. You should be:
- Educated to degree level or similar, or able to demonstrate equivalent commercial potential
- Numerically confident with good analytical skills
- Comfortable using Excel and working with data
- Confident, personable and comfortable dealing with different people
- Commercially minded with an interest in purchasing and negotiation
- Organised with strong attention to detail
- Proactive and interested in improving processes
- Keen to learn, take responsibility and develop your career
Previous experience within purchasing, inventory, supply chain, customer service or another commercial environment would be beneficial, although it is not essential.
What’s on Offer?
- £30,000–£32,000 starting salary
- Annual profit share bonus
- Comprehensive training and support
- Product and manufacturer training
- Professional development opportunities
- Regular salary and development reviews
- Broad exposure across purchasing, inventory, suppliers and commercial operations
- Scope to develop responsibility for key supplier relationships and projects
- Genuine long-term career progression
- Monday to Friday working hours, 8:00am–5:00pm
If you’re analytical, commercially minded and looking for an opportunity to build a long-term career in purchasing and supplier management, apply today.
Graduate Inventory & Purchasing Executive in Bristol employer: Olra Recruitment Solutions Ltd
Join a dynamic and growing team in Bristol as a Graduate Inventory & Purchasing Executive, where you'll not only manage purchasing and inventory but also build strong supplier relationships and develop your commercial acumen. With a competitive salary, annual profit share, and comprehensive training, this role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and long-term career progression in a supportive work culture that values initiative and collaboration.
Contact Details:
Olra Recruitment Solutions Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Inventory & Purchasing Executive in Bristol
✨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 Olra Recruitment Solutions Ltd.
✨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 Graduate Inventory & Purchasing Executive in Bristol
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 Olra Recruitment Solutions Ltd:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Olra Recruitment Solutions Ltd. 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 Olra Recruitment Solutions Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Olra Recruitment Solutions Ltd
✨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 Olra Recruitment Solutions Ltd!
✨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 Olra Recruitment Solutions Ltd. 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 Olra Recruitment Solutions Ltd's culture.
