Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Purchasing Manager with daily operations and supplier communications.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in Lowestoft focused on efficient purchasing processes.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time, permanent role with flexible hours during peak times.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in purchasing while building strong supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English; previous purchasing experience preferred.
- Other info: Opportunity to work towards a CIPS Qualification and develop your career.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
P+S Personnel are pleased to be working on behalf of our clients, who are currently seeking a Purchasing Assistant to join their team based in Lowestoft on a full-time, permanent basis.
Main Responsibilities:
- Assist the Purchasing Manager in the day-to-day running of the group purchasing function.
- Create and review purchase requests for material(s) via extracted data from the companies MRP system or manual purchase requests.
- Liaise and place purchase orders with approved suppliers via MRP system.
- Assist the Mail Order Purchasing Team in all purchasing related activities during peak and other required times such as holiday cover.
- Progress outstanding purchase orders with suppliers – Updating MRP system.
- Coordinate and liaise purchasing related topics with the Manufacturing / Production team members on a daily basis.
- To be commercially aware and able to communicate to all staff as required to match business objectives.
- Support and promote strong supplier relationships.
- Develop, understand and monitor supplier performance using KPI’s to make strategic supplier decisions.
- Able to understand and identify the importance of dual source to protect the requirements of the business needs.
- Assist in the collation and placement of import orders outside of the EU – India & China.
- Communicate with the Accounts Department to ensure material cost changes are picked up and deliveries reconcile with purchase orders.
- Record and maintain supplier non-conformances, report monthly and as necessary implement any appropriate actions to prevent reoccurrence.
- Support Goods inwards function where needed – booking in / distribution of small items to various areas around site.
- Any other reasonable tasks associated and requested within this role.
Person Specification:
- Previous experience working within a purchasing environment.
- Understanding of MRP systems desirable.
- Knowledge of engineering manufacturing and materials desirable.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Able to negotiate well, including dealing with difficult situations.
- Ability to work without direct supervision and to cooperate as part of a team.
- Flexible and receptive to change.
- Able to work accurately and methodically within timescales.
- Using the most appropriate method of communication to meet individual and business needs effectively.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
Experience and Qualifications:
- GCSE Grades A-C in Maths and English (or equivalent qualification).
- Previous experience in a similar role or able to demonstrate ability to provide statistical analysis in previous roles.
- Previous experience working in a busy manufacturing / operations environment.
- Desire to work towards a CIPS Qualification.
Working Hours:
- 37.5 hours per week.
- Flexibility during the Company’s peak trading periods.
If this is a role you are interested in, please apply online ensuring your CV is up to date.
Contact Detail:
P&S Personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with MRP systems, as this role heavily relies on them. Consider taking a short online course or tutorial to boost your understanding and show your initiative.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your negotiation skills. Practice scenarios where you might need to deal with difficult suppliers or situations, as strong negotiation is key in purchasing roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the purchasing field. Attend local industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your commercial awareness by staying updated on market trends and supplier performance metrics. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions and stand out during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in purchasing and any familiarity with MRP systems. Emphasise your communication skills and ability to work in a team, as these are key for the Purchasing Assistant role.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Mention your previous experience in a purchasing environment and how it aligns with the company's needs.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on skills such as negotiation, statistical analysis, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in past roles to demonstrate your capability.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the Purchasing Assistant position.
How to prepare for a job interview at P&S Personnel
✨Know Your MRP Systems
Familiarise yourself with MRP systems, as this role heavily relies on them. Be prepared to discuss any previous experience you have with such systems and how you've used them to manage purchasing tasks.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since the job requires liaising with various teams and suppliers, showcase your verbal and written communication skills during the interview. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles, especially in challenging situations.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is key in purchasing roles. Think of instances where you've successfully negotiated terms or resolved conflicts. Be ready to explain your approach and the outcomes of those negotiations.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
This position requires working closely with different teams. Share experiences that demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively, adapt to changes, and support team objectives, especially in a busy manufacturing environment.
