At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in purchasing processes and maintain supplier relations for product safety and quality.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at a leading food company with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Fixed-term contract, Monday to Friday hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a crucial team ensuring quality products reach customers while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with SAP and strong communication skills; purchasing experience is a plus.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with potential for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Buying Assistant to join our Purchasing Department. This role is a Fixed Term Contract from 01.06.2026 to 28.05.2027, the hours of work are Monday to Friday 08.30 to 17.00.
The successful candidate will be responsible for controlling the administration requirements within the Department. An overview of the role responsibilities are detailed below:
- To ensure that all purchasing processes that are critical to product safety, legality & quality are procured to defined requirements.
- To ensure good supplier relations are maintained in both ethical and professional manner.
- To action all internal and external supplier queries promptly and efficiently.
- To approve all related invoices efficiently & effectively ensuring all prices match with Stateside Foods raw material price list.
- To ensure all administrative procedures & requirements are responded to and actioned promptly and correctly.
- Clearly communicate to all parties upstream and downstream within the supply chain.
- Represent the purchasing department in internal meetings.
- To progress chase outstanding credit and non-conformances.
- To manage and present the forward price list.
- Maintain Purchasing presentation and Commodity report with support from the wider department.
- Support the Engineering and Procurement department on customs paperwork.
- Manage or support supplier trials.
- Maintain an understanding of retailer/customer requirements, processes and procedures.
- Identify areas of cost savings on both Ingredients and packaging.
- Support any supplier monitoring or improvement programs initiated.
- Understand the supply marketplace and be able to challenge suppliers about performance.
- Ability to benchmark all areas.
- Work closely with NPD, Sales, Technical Services and all other departments.
- Support the procurement team to ensure the factory has ingredients and packaging when needed.
Candidates should have experience using SAP and have the ability to deal with difficult and sensitive situations in a professional manner. Experience working within a Purchasing department would be desirable but not essential.
Buying Assistant in Westhoughton employer: Stateside Foods Limited
Contact Detail:
Stateside Foods Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Assistant in Westhoughton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, especially when discussing your experience in purchasing or supplier relations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Assistant in Westhoughton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buying Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience, especially in purchasing or administration, and don’t forget to mention your SAP skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our Purchasing Department. Be sure to mention your ability to handle supplier queries and maintain good relationships.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since communication is key in this role, make sure to demonstrate your strong communication skills in your application. Whether it's through examples in your CV or your cover letter, let us know how you effectively communicate with different teams.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stateside Foods Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Buying Assistant. Familiarise yourself with purchasing processes, supplier relations, and how to handle queries efficiently. Brush up on your knowledge of SAP, as it’s a crucial tool for this role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since clear communication is vital in this position, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with suppliers or internal teams in the past. Think about situations where you resolved issues or improved relationships, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Be prepared to discuss how you’ve dealt with difficult situations in a professional manner. Think of specific instances where you had to manage conflicts or challenges, especially related to procurement or supplier management, and explain how you handled them.
✨Research the Company and Industry
Get to know the company’s values, products, and market position. Understanding the supply marketplace will help you answer questions confidently and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role. Plus, it’ll give you a chance to ask insightful questions during the interview.