At a Glance
- Tasks: Support purchasing processes, manage supplier relationships, and analyse data to improve operations.
- Company: Join PenCarrie, a leading B2B supplier in the garment decoration industry.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, career growth opportunities, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Flexible working options with a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing valuable skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Organised, detail-focused, and eager to learn; previous experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Willand, Devon (EX15 2QW) | 37.5 hours per week | Hybrid Working Available
Are you naturally curious, highly organised and love bringing order to complexity? We're looking for a Purchasing Administrative Assistant to join our growing Purchasing Team and play a key role in keeping information flowing, suppliers engaged and stock moving. This isn't just an administration role. It's an opportunity to develop expertise within purchasing, build strong relationships across the business, and make a real impact on how we deliver for our customers every day.
What you'll be doing
- You'll become the go-to person for product and purchasing information, helping colleagues access the accurate and timely information they need to support our customers.
- A typical day could involve:
- Investigating stock and product queries
- Liaising with suppliers to track deliveries and update due dates
- Analysing purchasing data and identifying overdue orders
- Producing reports and insights for the Purchasing Team
- Maintaining product and supplier information
- Working collaboratively with our Warehouse, Customer Service and Commercial teams
- Supporting purchase order processing and supplier communications
As your confidence and knowledge grow, you'll have the opportunity to take on buying responsibilities and develop a long-term career within Purchasing.
What we're looking for
- Exceptionally organised and detail-focused
- Strong communicators who build positive relationships
- Naturally curious and enjoy solving problems
- Comfortable working with data and numbers
- Confident prioritising multiple tasks
- Motivated to learn and continuously improve
- Able to work independently whilst being a supportive team player
Previous experience in an administrative, purchasing or supply chain environment would be beneficial, but just as important is your attitude, drive and willingness to learn.
Why join PenCarrie?
At PenCarrie, we're passionate about helping our customers succeed. We're proud of our culture, our values and the supportive environment we've created for our people. When you join us, you'll be part of a business that:
- Invests in learning and development
- Values collaboration and teamwork
- Encourages new ideas and continuous improvement
- Gives people the opportunity to grow their careers
- Places customer success at the heart of every decision
With over 30 years of experience and a reputation as one of the UK's leading B2B suppliers to the garment decoration industry, we're continuing to evolve, and we'd love you to be part of that journey.
Working pattern
37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday. This role is based at our Willand Head Office with hybrid working available, offering the flexibility to work from home 2 days per week.
Ready to apply?
If you're looking for a role where you can build valuable purchasing experience, develop strong commercial skills and make a genuine contribution to a successful business, we'd love to hear from you. Email your CV and covering letter to and tell us why you'd be a great addition to Team PenCarrie. Please note we are unable to provide employment sponsorship. Applicants must live within a commutable distance of Willand, Devon (EX15 2QW).
Purchasing Administrative Assistant in Willand employer: PenCarrie Ltd
At PenCarrie, we pride ourselves on being a leading family business in the garment decoration industry, offering a vibrant work culture that values collaboration and customer focus. As a Legal Counsel, you'll have the unique opportunity to engage directly with commercial decision-making while benefiting from our supportive environment that encourages professional growth and flexible working arrangements. Join us to develop your legal expertise in a dynamic setting where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Administrative Assistant in Willand
✨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 PenCarrie 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 Purchasing Administrative Assistant in Willand
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 PenCarrie Ltd:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to PenCarrie 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 PenCarrie Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at PenCarrie 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 PenCarrie 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 PenCarrie 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 PenCarrie Ltd's culture.
