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- Tasks: Join us as a Buyer/Purchasing Assistant, managing supplier relationships and sourcing materials.
- Company: SRS Partnership connects talent with opportunities in dynamic environments.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative work culture with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful projects while honing your negotiation and communication skills.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of materials, excellent negotiation skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office required.
- Other info: CIPS qualification is a plus but not mandatory; we value your potential!
SRS Partnership is currently recruiting a Buyer/Purchasing Assistant for one of our clients based in East Ayrshire. As the Buyer/PA you will be responsible for establishing and nurturing supply chain relationships, ensuring the effective sourcing of materials and services. The role focuses on negotiating supplier prices and lead times while managing purchasing and expediting for various business projects, ensuring that everything is delivered within or under budget and on time.
Main Duties:
- Tendering and Sourcing - Liaise and support the tendering process during the enquiry phase of projects, securing supplier quotes and lead times.
- Supplier Relationship Management - Proactively manage relationships with suppliers to identify cost savings and business improvement opportunities.
- Product and Supplier Research - Monitor and investigate new products and potential sources of supply, focusing on quality, price, and lead time.
- Collaboration with Engineering and Project Teams - Work closely with the Engineering team and Project Managers to review Bills of Materials (BoMs), request quotes for materials and services, and create purchase orders.
- Negotiation and Purchase Order Management - Negotiate and place purchase orders with agreed suppliers.
- Commercial Checks - Complete checks on payment terms, delivery terms, and general Terms and Conditions to ensure alignment with both supplier and client requirements.
- Supplier Development and Contract Negotiation - Review and develop relationships with existing suppliers, negotiate contracts with new suppliers, and collaborate with the Quality Manager to ensure standards are met.
- Supplier Meetings and Relationship Building - Hold regular meetings with suppliers to maintain good working relationships, develop, and implement new purchasing initiatives.
- Cost Savings and Process Improvement - Identify potential cost savings across the business and streamline purchasing processes as necessary.
- Communication and Delivery Updates - Work with the business to improve and communicate delivery update systems.
- Reporting and Performance Monitoring - Develop reporting systems to monitor the progress and performance of buying activities.
To be successful in the role you should have:
- Understanding of Materials and Services - Solid understanding of materials, equipment, and services within a commercial engineering environment.
- Software Proficiency - Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and ideally SAGE accounting systems.
- Negotiation and Influencing Skills - Strong negotiation and influencing skills with the ability to adapt to various negotiation styles.
- Commercial Awareness - A good understanding of commercial and procurement principles.
- Communication Skills - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.
- Stakeholder Management - Ability to interface with internal and external stakeholders effectively.
- Time Management - Excellent time management skills and the ability to manage time-sensitive situations and prioritise material scheduling.
- Qualifications - CIPS qualification is desirable but not essential.
Buyer/Purchasing Assistant employer: Partnership Recruiting
Contact Detail:
Partnership Recruiting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer/Purchasing Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the procurement and supply chain industry. Attend local events or join online forums where you can connect with others in similar roles. This can help you gain insights into the company culture and potentially get a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in procurement and supply chain management. Being knowledgeable about current market conditions and innovative sourcing strategies can give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully negotiated with suppliers or improved purchasing processes in your previous roles. Real-life scenarios can demonstrate your skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research SRS Partnership and their clients thoroughly. Understanding their business model, values, and recent projects can help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer/Purchasing Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in purchasing and supply chain management. Emphasise any negotiation skills, supplier relationship management, and your understanding of materials and services in a commercial engineering environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Discuss your experience with tendering processes, supplier negotiations, and any cost-saving initiatives you've implemented in previous roles.
Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly demonstrate your proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and any accounting systems like SAGE. Highlight your strong communication skills and ability to manage stakeholder relationships effectively.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Think about how you would answer questions related to supplier relationship management, negotiation strategies, and time management. Be ready to provide examples from your past experiences that showcase your abilities in these areas.
How to prepare for a job interview at Partnership Recruiting
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've successfully handled. Highlight how you achieved cost savings or improved terms, as this role heavily relies on strong negotiation abilities.
✨Demonstrate Supplier Relationship Management
Be ready to discuss how you've built and maintained relationships with suppliers in previous roles. Emphasise your proactive approach to identifying opportunities for improvement and cost savings.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Software
Brush up on your skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and any experience with SAGE accounting systems. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these tools to manage purchasing processes effectively.
✨Understand the Importance of Time Management
Prepare to talk about how you prioritise tasks and manage time-sensitive situations. Provide examples of how you've ensured timely delivery of materials and services in past projects.
