Buying Assistant

Buying Assistant

Full-Time 28800 - 43200 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the buying team with product ordering, tracking, and liaising with suppliers.
  • Company: Join a fast-growing FMCG distributor in Birmingham city centre.
  • Benefits: Enjoy full training, a friendly office, and clear progression opportunities.
  • Why this job: Perfect for those eager to learn and thrive in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Strong admin skills, Excel proficiency, and excellent communication are essential.
  • Other info: No prior buying experience needed; just a positive attitude and willingness to grow.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.

Location: Birmingham City Centre (Office-based, 5 days per week)

Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: Competitive (based on experience)

Are you a highly organised individual with a flair for numbers, a sharp eye for detail, and confident communication skills? Looking to break into the fast-moving world of FMCG? This could be your next big move! We’re recruiting on behalf of an ambitious and fast-growing FMCG distributor based in the heart of Birmingham city centre. They’re on the hunt for a Buying Assistant to support their procurement and sales teams, ensuring the right products get to the right place at the right time — every time.

No prior buying experience? No problem. If you’ve got strong admin skills, you’re great with Excel, and you enjoy speaking with people — you already have what it takes to succeed. Buying experience is a bonus, not a deal-breaker. Full training will be provided.

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Supporting the buying team with product ordering, tracking, and admin
  • Liaising daily with suppliers to confirm lead times, deliveries, and pricing
  • Communicating confidently with clients, updating them on product availability and delivery timelines
  • Using Excel to manage stock, analyse product data, and prepare reports (pivot tables and formulas will be your friends!)
  • Keeping product and pricing information accurate and up-to-date
  • Helping plan promotions and keep tabs on trends, stock movement, and availability

What You’ll Bring:

  • Experience in an admin, support, or client-facing role (office-based)
  • Strong Excel skills – especially with spreadsheets, formulas, and data entry
  • Excellent communication – you'll be liaising with clients and suppliers regularly
  • Detail-oriented and organised – you’ll juggle tasks and keep things running smoothly
  • A positive, proactive attitude – keen to learn, grow, and take ownership
  • Willingness to work from the Birmingham office, Monday to Friday (this is not a hybrid or remote role)

Bonus Points For:

  • Experience in a buying, supply chain, or procurement role (FMCG sector is a plus!)

What’s In It For You?

  • Full training and hands-on support from an experienced team
  • A friendly, fast-paced office with big growth plans
  • Central location with great transport links
  • Clear opportunities for progression and long-term development

If you're excited by a role that blends admin, communication, and commercial awareness — and you're ready to dive into the FMCG industry — we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and take your next step into the world of buying!

Buying Assistant employer: Parna Recruitment

Join a dynamic and ambitious FMCG distributor in the heart of Birmingham City Centre, where you'll find a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With full training provided and clear opportunities for progression, this is an excellent employer for those looking to kickstart their career in buying. Enjoy a friendly, fast-paced office environment with great transport links, making it easy to connect with colleagues and clients alike.
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Contact Detail:

Parna Recruitment Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Buying Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the FMCG industry by reading up on current trends and key players. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the sector.

✨Tip Number 2

Brush up on your Excel skills, especially with pivot tables and formulas. Consider taking a short online course or watching tutorials to ensure you're comfortable using these tools, as they are crucial for the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your communication skills by engaging in mock conversations with friends or family. Focus on clearly explaining concepts related to product availability and delivery timelines, as this will be a key part of your role.

✨Tip Number 4

Network with professionals in the FMCG sector through LinkedIn or local events. Building connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals, increasing your chances of landing the job.

We think you need these skills to ace Buying Assistant

Strong Excel Skills
Attention to Detail
Organisational Skills
Effective Communication
Client Liaison
Data Entry
Product Knowledge
Time Management
Proactive Attitude
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Basic Understanding of Supply Chain Processes
Analytical Skills
Team Collaboration
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant skills and experiences that align with the Buying Assistant role. Emphasise your admin skills, Excel proficiency, and any client-facing experience you have.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the FMCG industry and the specific role. Mention how your organisational skills and attention to detail make you a great fit for the position.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, specifically mention your Excel skills, including any experience with pivot tables and formulas. This will demonstrate your readiness for the data management aspects of the job.

Show Your Communication Skills: Since the role involves liaising with suppliers and clients, provide examples in your application of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles. This could be through teamwork, client interactions, or presentations.

How to prepare for a job interview at Parna Recruitment

✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills

As a Buying Assistant, being organised is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. This will demonstrate your ability to juggle responsibilities effectively.

✨Excel Proficiency is a Must

Since strong Excel skills are crucial for this role, be ready to discuss your experience with spreadsheets, formulas, and data analysis. If possible, bring along examples of reports you've created or data you've managed in the past.

✨Communicate Confidently

You'll be liaising with clients and suppliers regularly, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to discuss how you've handled communication in previous roles, especially in challenging situations.

✨Demonstrate a Positive Attitude

Employers love candidates who show enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Be sure to express your eagerness to grow within the FMCG sector and how you plan to take ownership of your responsibilities as a Buying Assistant.

Buying Assistant
Parna Recruitment
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