At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement and supplier coordination while managing purchase orders and deliveries.
- Company: Join a leading aerospace manufacturing company with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hours, and quarterly bonuses.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with great opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that drives efficiency and cost-saving initiatives.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and proficiency in Excel are essential.
The predicted salary is between 27417 - 27417 £ per year.
Location: Swadlincote
Company: Aerospace/Manufacturing sector
Role summary
Support procurement via indirect purchasing, supplier coordination, and expediting, plus admin support to the direct purchasing team.
Responsibilities
- Raise and process purchase requisitions and orders for indirect and selected direct spend
- Source suppliers, obtain quotes, and support tenders
- Maintain supplier records, pricing files, and category docs
- Ensure compliance with procurement policies, approvals, and budgets
- Expediting: track POs, monitor deliveries, resolve delays, and escalate risks
- Coordinate with Facilities, IT, HSE, Finance, and Ops to confirm needs
- Manage discrepancies (late deliveries, missing docs, invoices)
- Support cost-saving initiatives and spend analysis
- Administrative support for the Direct Purchasing team and subcontract purchasing
- Maintain accurate expediting logs and stakeholder updates
Requirements
- Strong organisation, attention to detail, and multitasking
- Confident communicator with suppliers and internal teams
- Negotiation and supplier-management awareness
- Proficiency in Excel; experience with ERP/MRP or purchasing systems
- Analytical mindset for quotes, spend data, and supplier performance
- Problem-solving, especially with delays or urgent needs
- Experience in purchasing, supply chain, or admin support
- Understanding of PO and invoice matching; indirect spend knowledge
- Manufacturing experience desirable
- GCSEs/A-levels; business or supply-chain qualifications beneficial
- CIPS Level 2–3 is desirable but not essential
Additional Details
- Shifts: flexible start and finish times; Monday–Thursday: start 07:45–08:15, finish 16:30–17:00 with 30-minute lunch; Friday: start 07:45–08:15, finish 12:30, no lunch. Must complete 37.5 hours by 12:30 Friday.
- Salary: £27,417 per year
- Bonus: Quarterly bonuses of £125
Purchasing Assistant employer: Trades Workforce Solutions
As a Purchasing Assistant at our Swadlincote location, you will thrive in a dynamic aerospace manufacturing environment that values collaboration and innovation. We offer flexible working hours, competitive salaries, and quarterly bonuses, alongside a supportive culture that prioritises employee growth through training and development opportunities. Join us to be part of a team that is committed to excellence and making a meaningful impact in the industry.
Contact Details:
Trades Workforce Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Assistant
✨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 Purchasing Assistant
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.
