At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement of goods and services while collaborating with project teams.
- Company: Join Stirling Dynamics, a dynamic company focused on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £30,000, flexible working, and fun social events.
- Other info: Work in a fast-paced environment with excellent team support.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in procurement with hands-on experience and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring your can-do attitude and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
To support our continued growth, Stirling Dynamics are looking to hire an Assistant Buyer to join our Procurement team. The successful candidate will support with the procurement of goods and services for internal customers and will work hand in hand with project delivery teams to deliver operational excellence; driving results through effective supplier management and ensuring Company Procedures are followed. The successful candidate will support the wider procurement team with the purchase of goods and/or services, achieving the most competitive and advantageous commercial terms. They will need to drive and monitor supplier performances to ensure best possible value is delivered to the business. This role is suitable for someone with no prior experience but someone who is willing to learn, is organized and is looking to develop their career within procurement. This role will be based in our Bristol offices however as part of our commitment to flexible working, employees are able to combine office work with remote working.
Responsibilities
- Support the evaluation and ongoing development of new suppliers
- Developing relationships with suppliers
- Handle procurement requests from internal customers, ensuring that the requirements to be placed on the supplier are clearly understood
- Negotiating with suppliers to agree prices, quantities, delivery schedules
- Placing purchase orders as per company procedures
- Arranging transport of goods and tracking orders to ensure timely delivery
- Support supplier audits as a part of Supplier Approval and Re‑accreditation process
- Ability to work within a cross functional team to support projects with Project Management, Engineering and Production
- Support the movement of goods overseas, ensuring we have the correct documentation in place and liaising with shipping companies
- Support data management and analysis of pricing trends
Essential skills
- Integrity and excellent attention to detail
- Excellent communication skills to help negotiations
- Relationship building and networking skills
- Excellent computer skills with good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel
The personal qualities of the candidates will be key to success in this fast‑paced, dynamic environment and it demands a self‑motivated attitude with a real drive to progress. Candidates must be able to identify with the characteristics and qualities detailed below:
- Can‑do attitude & hands on approach to work
- Proactive
- Good written and oral communication skills
- Cost conscious
- Good organisational skills, including record keeping
- Good team player who uses initiative, is self‑motivated and enthusiastic
- Manage their own workload with ability to deal with conflicting priorities
Desired skills
- An understanding of supply chain management and logistics
- The ability to understand technical and commercial aspects
- Commercial background within manufacturing and/or engineering industry
- Experience in product costing and/or costed Bill of Materials and identification of product cost drivers
Benefits
Competitive package. Grade 1 with a salary up to £30,000 depending on experience. We offer a range of benefits to our employees to recognise their efforts. Playing hard is equally as important as working hard, so regular events are held throughout the year which provide an ideal opportunity to mix socially.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer
✨Get into the Right Communities
Join online forums and local meetups tailored to procurement and purchasing professionals. Groups on platforms like LinkedIn can be super helpful for connecting with seasoned pros and staying updated on industry trends. It's a great way for us to learn the ropes and find out about potential job openings!
✨Leverage Your University Network
If you're still at uni or just graduated, tap into your career services! They often have connections with companies looking for entry-level procurement talent. Plus, attending career fairs can put you face-to-face with employers—like Stirling Dynamics—who are keen to discover fresh talent.
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
Consider volunteering for projects or internships that allow you to demonstrate your procurement skills. Whether it’s managing resources for an event or helping local businesses streamline their purchasing process, these hands-on experiences can make your application stand out and show hiring managers your ability to contribute.
✨Don't Just Stick to Online Applications
While applying through our website is a must, be proactive! Reach out to potential employers directly, like Stirling Dynamics. A polite email expressing your interest in their entry-level roles could make a memorable impression. You never know what doors might open if you take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Skills:For an entry-level role in procurement and purchasing, it’s super important to showcase any analytical skills, attention to detail, and organisational abilities. If you've done any projects or coursework relevant to supply chain management or procurement in your studies, make sure to mention that experience in your CV!
Show Your Passion for Procurement:Use your cover letter to express your interest in procurement and why you're excited about this specific opportunity at Stirling Dynamics. Talk about your eagerness to learn and how you can contribute to their purchasing strategy. A little enthusiasm can go a long way!
Include Any Relevant Experience:Even if you don’t have direct procurement experience, consider including any internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work that demonstrate your skills in negotiation, relationship building, or project management. These transferable skills are just as important for an entry-level role!
Tailor Your Application for Stirling Dynamics:When applying, take the time to customise your CV and cover letter for Stirling Dynamics. Mention their values and any specific procurement challenges they face that you’d love to help with. This shows not just your effort, but also your genuine interest in the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stirling Dynamics
✨Get to Grips with Basic Procurement Concepts
Before your interview for the Assistant Buyer at Stirling Dynamics, brush up on key procurement terms and processes. Knowing the difference between strategic sourcing and operational purchasing can go a long way in showcasing your knowledge and eagerness to learn!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Procurement relies heavily on analysis, so be prepared to tackle some case studies or numerical questions during your interview. Reflect on any academic projects or coursework where you've used data analysis to make purchasing decisions, as these will highlight your problem-solving skills to the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Entry-level roles often focus on your potential rather than extensive experience. Get ready for behavioural questions that explore how you handle teamwork or problem-solving. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and relate them back to any group projects or internships you've done.
✨Research Current Trends in Procurement
Being up-to-date with the latest trends can set you apart as a fresh candidate eager to contribute. Familiarise yourself with sustainable sourcing practices or digital procurement technologies, and bring these up during your interview to impress the hiring team at Stirling Dynamics with your insights!
