At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Procurement team with purchasing, supplier management, and market research.
- Company: Join VPK, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions across Europe.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, pension scheme, and healthcare cash plan.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth and skill development in procurement.
- Why this job: Kickstart your procurement career in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in administration or supply chain; strong organisational and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Assistant Buyer
Looking to build a career in procurement with a business that will invest in your development?
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with administration, purchasing or supply chain experience who is keen to develop a long-term career in buying.
Working as part of a supportive Procurement team, you'll gain exposure to supplier management, purchasing processes, market research and spend analysis while learning from experienced procurement professionals.
If you're organised, analytical and enjoy building relationships, we'd love to hear from you.
About VPK
At VPK, we create sustainable paper-based packaging solutions that help businesses across the UK and Ireland operate more efficiently while reducing their environmental impact.
Operating across Europe, we're proud to combine innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement while investing in the development of our people.
The Role
Reporting to the Head of Procurement, you'll provide day-to-day support to the Procurement team, helping to ensure goods and services are purchased efficiently while maintaining accurate records and supporting supplier performance.
This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop your procurement knowledge within a busy manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Raise and manage purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company procedures.
- Support the Procurement team with day-to-day purchasing activities.
- Conduct market research to identify new suppliers and products.
- Build positive working relationships with suppliers and internal departments.
- Help monitor supplier performance, delivery schedules and pricing.
- Produce reports and analyse procurement data using ERP systems and Microsoft Excel.
- Maintain procurement records, supplier documentation and contracts.
- Assist with continuous improvement initiatives and identify opportunities to improve processes.
- Provide general administrative support to the Procurement department as required.
About You
This role would suit someone who is organised, proactive and looking to develop a career within procurement.
You'll ideally have
- Previous experience in an administration, purchasing, buying, supply chain or commercial support role.
- Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail.
- Good numerical and analytical ability.
- Confident IT skills, including Microsoft Excel.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive working relationships.
- A willingness to learn and develop within procurement.
- A proactive attitude with the confidence to suggest improvements.
Previous procurement experience is beneficial but not essential—we're equally keen to hear from candidates with transferable administration or supply chain experience who are looking to develop their career.
Why Join VPK?
We believe our people are key to our success and offer a supportive environment where you can develop your skills and build a long-term career.
Our benefits include
- 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
- Company pension scheme
- Healthcare Cash Plan
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Assistant Buyer in Desborough employer: TH Recruitment
TH Recruitment is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic hybrid work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have ample opportunities to enhance your HR expertise while contributing to a positive workplace culture. The supportive team atmosphere and commitment to employee well-being make this role not just a job, but a meaningful career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer in Desborough
✨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 TH Recruitment—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 TH Recruitment. 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 in Desborough
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 TH Recruitment. 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 TH Recruitment:When applying, take the time to customise your CV and cover letter for TH Recruitment. 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 TH Recruitment
✨Get to Grips with Basic Procurement Concepts
Before your interview for the Assistant Buyer at TH Recruitment, 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 TH Recruitment with your insights!
