At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement operations by managing purchase orders and supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a growing business in a dynamic and creative industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing training, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with potential for growth and professional development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in procurement with hands-on experience and support.
- Qualifications: Experience in administration or purchasing, strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 30000 £ per year.
- Procurement Assistant
- Location: Northampton Salary: £27,000 – £30,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
- About the Opportunity
Our client is seeking a proactive and organised Procurement Assistant to join their growing operations team in Northampton.
This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with strong administrative or purchasing experience to develop a long‑term career within procurement, working closely with an experienced Procurement Coordinator in a fast‑paced, materials‑driven environment.
The successful candidate will provide day‑to‑day administrative and operational support across the procurement function, ensuring equipment, materials, consumables and services are sourced efficiently while maintaining accurate purchasing records and supplier information.
This role would suit someone with excellent attention to detail, strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic business environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Procurement Administration
- Raise and process purchase orders in line with company procedures.
- Obtain supplier quotations and assist with cost comparisons to support purchasing decisions.
- Support the Procurement Coordinator with sourcing materials, equipment, consumables and services.
- Monitor outstanding purchase orders and proactively follow up on supplier deliveries.
- Maintain accurate procurement records and ensure purchasing systems remain up to date.
- Supplier Coordination
- Act as the first point of contact for routine supplier enquiries.
- Build and maintain positive working relationships with suppliers.
- Assist with supplier onboarding and maintain supplier documentation.
- Escalate delivery issues, shortages or supplier concerns to the Procurement Coordinator where appropriate.
- Inventory & Asset Support
- Monitor stock levels and identify replenishment requirements.
- Assist with inventory control and stock ordering activities.
- Support the management of company assets and procurement records where required.
- Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain purchase orders, quotations, delivery confirmations and procurement documentation.
- Ensure procurement activities comply with internal policies and procedures.
- Update approved supplier lists and pricing databases.
- Assist in producing procurement reports and performance data.
- General Administration
- Provide administrative support to the Procurement Coordinator and wider Operations team.
- Prepare reports, spreadsheets and procurement documentation using Microsoft Office.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance procurement processes.
- Participate in relevant training and professional development opportunities.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Previous experience within an administrative, purchasing, procurement or office support role.
- Excellent organisational skills with strong attention to detail.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to prioritise workload and manage multiple tasks.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Word.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
Desirable
- Previous experience within a fast‑paced, materials or manufacturing environment.
- Understanding of procurement processes and supplier management.
- Experience using purchasing or ERP systems.
- Working towards, or interested in studying, a CIPS qualification.
- What's on Offer
- Competitive salary – up to £30,000 per annum
- Ongoing training and career development.
- Opportunity to develop a career within procurement.
- Supportive and collaborative working environment.
- The chance to join a growing business operating within a dynamic and creative industry.
Please apply today and discuss further with Gabriella Saunders at ACS Staffing Solutions!
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Procurement Assistant in Northampton employer: Trades Workforce Solutions
Aurora Energy Research is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture in the heart of Oxford. With a focus on employee growth and development, we provide ample opportunities for professional advancement while ensuring a flexible, hybrid working environment that promotes work-life balance. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to innovation in energy research, where your contributions will directly impact user engagement and product excellence.
Contact Details:
Trades Workforce Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Assistant in Northampton
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Trades Workforce Solutions.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Assistant in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Trades Workforce Solutions:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Trades Workforce Solutions. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Trades Workforce Solutions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Trades Workforce Solutions
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Trades Workforce Solutions!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Trades Workforce Solutions. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Trades Workforce Solutions's culture.