At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in purchasing materials and services to support production efficiently.
- Company: Leading manufacturing company in Clacton-on-Sea with a vibrant team.
- Benefits: Up to £28,000 salary, 25 days holiday, life assurance, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Great opportunities for career progression and professional development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in procurement with real impact in a growing business.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or procurement, strong organisational and communication skills.
A leading manufacturing company in the Clacton area is looking to recruit a Purchasing Assistant to join their busy procurement team. This is a full-time, permanent position working Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, offering a salary of up to £28,000 per annum, depending on experience.
Reporting to the Procurement Manager, the Purchasing Assistant will help ensure materials and services are purchased efficiently to support production. You will work closely with suppliers and internal departments, maintaining accurate purchasing records and ensuring orders are processed and delivered on time.
Duties of the Purchasing Assistant include:
- Managing purchasing activities through the Sage X3 ERP system, including MRP functions
- Raising Requests for Quotation (RFQs), reviewing supplier quotations and processing purchase orders
- Maintaining accurate purchasing records and updating the ERP system with order acknowledgements and supplier information
- Liaising with suppliers to resolve delivery, pricing and order-related issues
- Working closely with production, planning and other departments to communicate order status
- Monitoring supplier deliveries and following up on outstanding purchase orders
- Supporting the Procurement Manager with day-to-day procurement activities
To be considered for this Purchasing Assistant role, you will need:
- Previous experience in a purchasing, procurement or buying role within a manufacturing environment
- Experience using ERP or MRP systems (Sage X3 would be advantageous)
- Excellent organisational skills with strong attention to detail
- The ability to prioritise workloads and manage multiple tasks
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
- Good Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel
Benefits include:
- Up to £28,000 per annum, depending on experience
- 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays
- Option to buy or sell annual leave
- Life assurance
- Wellbeing support programme
- Ongoing training and development
- Support towards further education and professional qualifications
- Career progression opportunities within a successful manufacturing business
If you are looking to develop your career in purchasing and procurement and would like to join a growing manufacturing business, we would love to hear from you.
Procurement Assistant employer: Prime Appointments
Prime Appointments is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Witham where you can thrive as a Hybrid Driver & Warehouse Operator. With competitive benefits such as overtime after probation, 20 days holiday, and a workplace pension, we prioritise employee well-being and growth. Join us for a rewarding career that values reliability and provides opportunities for varied daily tasks.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Assistant
✨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 Prime Appointments.
✨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 Procurement Assistant
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 Prime Appointments:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Prime Appointments. 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 Prime Appointments.
How to prepare for a job interview at Prime Appointments
✨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 Prime Appointments!
✨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 Prime Appointments. 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 Prime Appointments's culture.
