At a Glance
- Tasks: Support purchasing strategy and manage supplier relationships in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing electrical distribution business with ambitious goals.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, pension, holidays, and career progression.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape purchasing operations and develop into a senior role.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in purchasing and supply chain management while making an impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or supply chain, strong negotiation skills, and a proactive attitude.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 40000 £ per year.
Looking for a genuine opportunity to progress your purchasing career within a fast-growing and highly ambitious electrical distribution business? An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Purchasing Manager to join a well-established and expanding organisation operating within the electrical distribution and cable supply sector. This is a fantastic opportunity for somebody already working within purchasing, stock control, supply chain or buying who is looking to step into a broader and more commercially influential role with genuine long-term progression.
Working closely with senior leadership and the Purchasing Manager, you will play a key role supporting purchasing strategy, supplier management, stock profiling, forecasting, international buying and supply chain operations across a wide range of electrical products and accessories.
The Role
The Assistant Purchasing Manager will support the day-to-day management of purchasing and supply chain activities, helping ensure product availability, strong supplier performance and commercial competitiveness across the business. Key responsibilities are likely to include:
- Supporting purchasing activities across electrical cable and associated product ranges
- Building and maintaining strong supplier and manufacturer relationships both within the UK and internationally
- Assisting with international buying activities and overseas supplier communication
- Managing and monitoring inbound shipments, container schedules and delivery timelines
- Processing import documentation and liaising with freight forwarders, shipping agents and logistics providers
- Supporting supplier negotiations around pricing, rebates, payment terms and supply agreements
- Supporting stock forecasting and demand planning in collaboration with sales teams
- Monitoring stock profiles, stock rotation and inventory performance
- Assisting with purchasing strategy and continuous improvement initiatives
- Supporting improvements to purchasing systems, processes and reporting
- Processing supplier orders and monitoring supplier performance and lead times
- Monitoring market trends, supplier pricing movements and product availability
- Producing reports, KPI data and purchasing analysis for senior management
- Supporting product conformity, compliance and supplier quality standards
- Working collaboratively with internal departments including sales, operations and logistics
- Helping ensure strong supplier communication and service levels are maintained
The Ideal Person
We are looking for somebody commercially aware, highly organised and ambitious, who enjoys building relationships and thrives within a fast-paced distribution or supply chain environment. The ideal candidate will likely have:
- Previous experience within purchasing, buying, stock control or supply chain
- Experience within electrical distribution, cables, lighting, industrial products or related sectors would be highly advantageous
- Exposure to import purchasing, international suppliers or container shipments would be highly beneficial
- Strong negotiation and communication skills
- Good understanding of supplier management and stock forecasting
- Confidence using spreadsheets, ERP systems and purchasing software
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- A proactive and hands-on attitude
- The ability to work effectively within a growing business environment
- A genuine desire to develop into a more senior purchasing or supply chain leadership role over time
What's on Offer
- Monday to Friday - 8am to 5pm
- Competitive salary depending on experience
- Bonus scheme
- Pension
- Holidays
- Genuine long-term career progression
- Opportunity to help shape and improve purchasing operations within a growing business
- Supportive and commercially driven leadership team
This is an excellent opportunity for somebody looking to build a long-term career within purchasing and supply chain management whilst gaining exposure to strategic buying, international procurement, supplier management and commercial operations within a successful and expanding electrical distribution business.
Assistant Purchasing Manager in Bolton employer: The People Pod
Join a dynamic and ambitious electrical distribution business that prioritises employee growth and development. With a supportive leadership team, competitive salary, and a bonus scheme, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape purchasing operations while enjoying a collaborative work culture. The company is committed to fostering long-term career progression, making it an excellent employer for those looking to advance in the purchasing and supply chain sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Purchasing Manager in Bolton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential employers 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 products. Understand their purchasing strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you're not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about their business.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them why you’re a great fit for the Assistant Purchasing Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be perfect for you. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and helps us keep track of your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Purchasing Manager in Bolton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your previous roles in purchasing, stock control, or supply chain to show us you’re the right fit for the Assistant Purchasing Manager position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention any experience with international suppliers or import purchasing!
Showcase Your Skills:We want to see your negotiation and communication skills in action. If you have examples of successful supplier management or stock forecasting, include them! This will help us understand how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of getting noticed, apply directly through our website. It’s quick and easy, and we love seeing applications come in that way. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The People Pod
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your knowledge of key metrics related to purchasing and supply chain management. Be ready to discuss how you’ve used data to make decisions in your previous roles, especially around stock forecasting and supplier performance.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built and maintained strong relationships with suppliers or internal teams. Highlight any successful negotiations you've led, as this role will require excellent communication and negotiation skills.
✨Understand the Industry
Familiarise yourself with current trends in electrical distribution and supply chain management. Being able to discuss market movements and how they impact purchasing decisions will show that you're commercially aware and proactive.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as managing delays in shipments or negotiating pricing with suppliers. Think through your problem-solving strategies and be prepared to share your thought process.