At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchasing activities and ensure stock availability while solving supply challenges.
- Company: Join a dynamic £25 million turnover business with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, Monday to Friday work schedule, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Gain exposure to international suppliers and develop your commercial experience.
- Why this job: Shape purchasing processes and make a real impact on customer service and business performance.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or supply chain operations with strong organisational skills.
Are you a commercially minded Purchasing Coordinator / Buyer who enjoys taking ownership, solving supply challenges and keeping stock moving? This is a dynamic opportunity to join a successful £25 million turnover business with ambitious plans for rapid expansion and this role offers real scope to influence processes, improve reporting and support business growth.
As the Purchasing Coordinator / Buyer, you will play a key role in ensuring products are available to meet customer demand while maintaining sensible stock levels and budgets. You will manage purchasing activity across UK, European and Asian suppliers, track orders through to delivery and work closely with Sales, Warehouse and Finance.
As the Purchasing Coordinator / Buyer you will:
- Review stock levels and identify replenishment requirements
- Place purchase orders with UK, European and Asian suppliers
- Monitor supplier lead times and adjust purchasing plans
- Track purchase orders from placement through to delivery
- Maintain suitable safety stock levels
- Reduce excess, slow-moving and obsolete inventory
- Review sales trends and support future stock forecasting
- Liaise with suppliers regarding pricing, shortages and delivery dates
- Resolve quality, quantity and delivery issues
- Coordinate inbound deliveries with freight and transport providers
- Maintain accurate product, supplier and pricing information
- Process purchase orders using Microsoft Dynamics 365 or a similar ERP system
- Produce reports using Excel and Power BI
- Communicate stock shortages, delays and supply risks
- Identify opportunities to improve purchasing and stock processes
The successful Purchasing Coordinator / Buyer will have previous experience in purchasing, buying, stock control or supply chain operations, together with a strong understanding of inventory management. You will also have:
- Strong organisational and planning skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Confidence managing multiple priorities
- Strong supplier communication skills
- Good analytical and problem-solving ability
- Intermediate to advanced Excel skills
- Experience using ERP or MRP systems
- The ability to work independently and use initiative
- A calm, proactive and commercially aware approach
- Experience using Microsoft Dynamics 365, Power BI, international suppliers, freight processes or forecasting techniques would be advantageous.
This is not simply an order-processing role. As the Purchasing Coordinator / Buyer, you will have the opportunity to shape purchasing processes, improve stock visibility and make a direct contribution to customer service and business performance. You will gain exposure to international suppliers, develop your commercial and supply chain experience and become an important part of a growing operation.
Purchasing Coordinator employer: Vantage Recruitment
Join a dynamic team as a Warehouse Supervisor in Castle Donington, where your leadership will be valued and your growth supported. With a focus on collaboration and a hands-on approach, you'll thrive in a down-to-earth environment that prioritises safety and efficiency. Enjoy competitive pay, a Monday to Friday schedule, and opportunities for professional development in a company that values its employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Coordinator
✨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 Vantage Recruitment.
✨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 Coordinator
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 Vantage Recruitment:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Vantage Recruitment. 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 Vantage Recruitment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vantage Recruitment
✨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 Vantage Recruitment!
✨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 Vantage Recruitment. 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 Vantage Recruitment's culture.
