Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support engineering purchasing and manage purchase orders to ensure timely deliveries.
- Company: Thorlabs, a global leader in optical technologies with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, healthcare, 25 days holiday, and customised training opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid role in a modern facility with excellent transport links.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and kickstart your career in a cutting-edge industry.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in maths and English; experience in purchasing/logistics is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Supporting the R&D team, you will be working in a hybrid role at our new purpose-built facility in Witchford, Ely, as well as from home. Our facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, with train and bus links to Ely.
What is essential to us:
- GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent, including maths and English
- Experience in purchasing, logistics, or engineering is desirable, but not essential
- Awareness of general engineering disciplines is advantageous
- Computer literate with a good knowledge of Microsoft Office packages
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Organised, efficient, and takes initiative
- Experience using ERP/Supply chain software (Microsoft D365 and/or Bluestar would be a big advantage)
What we would like you to do:
- Assist Engineering purchasing with management of confirmed Purchase orders to minimise any delays; liaising with suppliers to confirm delivery timelines, expedite urgent parts.
- Generate daily PO lines report for the Engineering team
- Create and send approved purchase orders from purchase requisition system
- Create new part numbers for production goods and/or services
- Assist with any non-conformance activities i.e. liaising with vendors and raising return orders
- Data and documentation maintenance
- Assist with any obsolescence activities
- Raise Engineering Change Orders to communicate changes whenever necessary
- Generate shipping paperwork to send sample and prototype parts globally
- Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities
- Manage the release notifications for software and firmware updates
- Help create and maintain departmental SOPs
What will you get?
At Thorlabs, there are lots of opportunities for in-house customised training and development that accelerates your career progression. We have free onsite parking, free refreshments, and an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.
And the benefits are:
Competitive Salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.
This role does not currently meet the UK Visas and Immigration criteria for obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa; we are therefore unable to accept applications that require employer sponsorship in order to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa. All offers of employment are subject to eligibility to work in the UK.
We are Disability Confident Committed.
R&D Purchasing & Data Assistant - 1925 employer: Vytran LLC
Contact Detail:
Vytran LLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Purchasing & Data Assistant - 1925
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company before your interview! Research Thorlabs and its products, especially in the Motion Control and Optical Tables area. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in what we do.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since excellent verbal and written communication is essential for this role, try doing mock interviews with friends or family. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently during the actual interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your organisational skills! Think of examples where you've managed multiple tasks efficiently. We love candidates who can take initiative and keep things running smoothly, so highlight any relevant experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and keen on joining our team at Thorlabs.
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Purchasing & Data Assistant - 1925
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the R&D Purchasing & Data Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience in purchasing, logistics, or engineering, even if it's not extensive. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're interested in this role at Thorlabs and how your background makes you a great fit. Keep it concise but engaging – we love a bit of personality!
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your computer literacy and familiarity with Microsoft Office packages. If you've got experience with ERP/Supply chain software like Microsoft D365 or Bluestar, make sure to highlight that too. We’re keen on candidates who can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Thorlabs team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vytran LLC
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the basics of purchasing and logistics, as well as the specific role of an R&D Purchasing & Data Assistant. Brush up on your knowledge of Microsoft D365 or any ERP software, as this could come up in conversation.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with suppliers or team members in the past to demonstrate your skills.
✨Be Organised and Efficient
Bring a notepad or digital device to jot down important points during the interview. This shows that you're organised and ready to take initiative, which is exactly what Thorlabs is looking for.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, training opportunities, and the specific challenges faced by the R&D Purchasing team. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.