At a Glance
- Tasks: Support purchasing strategy and manage supplier relationships in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Fast-growing electrical distribution business with ambitious goals.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, pension, and holidays.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and help shape purchasing operations in a dynamic industry.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in purchasing and supply chain management with real career progression.
- 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 – 8 am to 5 pm
- 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 Manchester employer: The People Pod
Join a dynamic and ambitious electrical distribution business that prioritises employee growth and development. As an Assistant Purchasing Manager, you will benefit from a supportive work culture, competitive salary, and a bonus scheme, all while having the opportunity to shape purchasing operations and advance your career in a fast-paced environment. With a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement, this role offers a genuine pathway to senior leadership positions within the supply chain sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Purchasing Manager in Manchester
✨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 products. Understand their supply chain processes and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you're not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of landing that Assistant Purchasing Manager role. We love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the time to engage directly with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Purchasing Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Assistant Purchasing Manager role. Highlight any relevant purchasing, stock control, or supply chain experience to show us you’re the right fit!
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 your ambition for career progression!
Showcase Your Skills:We want to see your negotiation and communication skills in action! Include examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or improved purchasing processes in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get you one step closer to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The People Pod
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you brush up on your knowledge of purchasing and supply chain management, especially in the electrical distribution sector. Familiarise yourself with key terms, processes, and any recent trends in the industry. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous roles in purchasing or supply chain. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed supplier relationships, negotiated contracts, or improved stock forecasting. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions about the company's purchasing strategy, supplier management practices, and opportunities for career progression. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Since the role involves monitoring stock profiles and producing reports, be ready to discuss how you've used data analysis in your previous positions. Bring examples of how your analytical skills have led to better decision-making or improved supplier performance in the past.
