Procurement Assistant

We have an exciting opportunity for a Procurement Assistant to join our centralised Procurement Team, on a temporary basis until May 2027. Are you an enthusiastic and eager to get into a Procurement Assistant role? Do you have the drive and determination to succeed, be able to overcome any obstacles in order to ensure we constantly exceed our own and our customer’s expectations? Then Scientific Laboratory Supplies (SLS) is the right fit for you. Join us and contribute to our mission of being the UK's largest independent supplier of laboratory equipment, chemicals, and consumables.

Job Summary:

• Reporting to the Procurement Manager and collaborating closely with the wider business, the Procurement Assistant will play a pivotal role supporting our fast-moving, dynamic Procurement Team in the progressing of orders.
• Contacting Suppliers to expedite delivery of goods and update Purchase Orders on our ERP System.
• Support with Delivery Discrepancies.
• Arrange collections from suppliers using our Internal fleet of vehicles.
• Encourage continual improvement of all activities within the Procurement Department, allowing for the development of relationships between internal and external stakeholders.
• Liaising with internal stakeholders to ensure needs are met to mutual satisfaction and end user satisfaction.
• Promoting the department to other internal departments, with a can-do attitude.
• Providing cover for other members of the department during holidays and illness.
• Support with tendering opportunities.
• Adopt a pragmatic approach to Continuous Improvement by learning from our past experiences with a view to making things better for future projects.
• Incorporate these learnings into appropriate systems and processes and drive a continuous improvement ethos across our internal and external stakeholders.
• Take up any other related projects and lead as requested by the Procurement Manager.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Maths and English to GCSE or equivalent.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, ability to build positive relationships with colleagues, key stakeholders and suppliers.
• Capable of influencing and working with staff at all levels to drive change.
• Highly competent/computer literate with a number of Microsoft Office applications and relevant software packages.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Be able to motivate yourself and possess self-management skills.
• Keen eye for detail, organised and methodical.
• Nice to have:
• A minimum of 2 years of working in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience of using ticketing systems such as Zendesk or Freshdesk.
• Appreciation of interdepartmental cooperation to achieve individual and company goals.
• A basic understanding of Procurement / Purchasing.

About us:

SLS are the UK’s largest independent supplier of laboratory equipment, chemicals and consumables. Because of our independence, we have a unique approach to sourcing and supplying the highest quality, best value products and brands. Supplying to a wide range of sectors provides a diverse and interesting customer base as well as providing countless opportunities to grow and expand.

With a Nottingham based Head Office, with customers all over the UK, we are a stable and growing company who have an excellent reputation in the market. We proudly supported the NHS and scientific community over the course of the Pandemic as well as supporting the education sector with vital supplies to aid teaching for children affected by school closures.

We are passionate about our people and have developed a strong team dynamic who are welcoming and supportive of new individuals joining the company with a brilliant management team to support you as you find your feet in the role. We are also proud to be a Living Wage Employer and committed to equal opportunities and actively promote a diverse and inclusive working environment, and fairness for everyone.

Alongside our commitment to your professional and personal development, we also offer a generous benefits package including:

• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d)
• Hybrid working model – split between home and Nottingham based office
• Company NEST pension
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity leave
• Small, friendly, and sociable teams with staff events
• Company profit bonus schemes
• Tram2work and Cycle2work schemes
• Career opportunities for development and progression