Assistant Buyer

Role Purpose

At Grayson, the Assistant Buyer will support the Purchasing team in ensuring products, materials and services are sourced efficiently, cost effectively and in line with operational requirements. This is a developmental role designed for individuals looking to build a long-term career in Procurement and Supply Chain Management.

The Assistant Buyer will assist with purchasing administration, supplier liaison, market analysis, stock monitoring and procurement reporting whilst gaining experience across the full procurement cycle. The role provides a pathway into a professional buying career and supports progression towards industry-recognised procurement qualifications

Key Responsibilities

Purchasing & Procurement

• Raise and manage purchase orders accurately and efficiently.
• Obtain supplier quotations and compare pricing, quality and service levels.
• Track orders and liaise with suppliers to ensure timely delivery.
• Support sourcing activities in line with business requirements.
• Assist with procurement projects and supplier evaluations.
• Escalate supply chain issues, shortages or delivery delays where appropriate.

Supplier & Commercial Support

• Build and maintain positive supplier relationships.
• Support supplier performance reviews relating to cost, quality and delivery.
• Resolve supplier queries and invoice discrepancies.
• Assist in identifying cost-saving and value-improvement opportunities.

Inventory & Data Analysis

• Monitor stock levels and support replenishment activities.
• Assist with stock takes and inventory accuracy initiatives.
• Maintain accurate purchasing data and procurement records.
• Analyse purchasing information, supplier performance and market trends.
• Prepare procurement reports and management information.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work closely with Operations, Finance, Sales and other departments to support business objectives.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across purchasing and supply chain activities.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism and customer service.

Essential Qualifications

Applicants must hold one of the following:

• Degree in Business, Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Finance, Marketing or a related commercial discipline.
• HNC/HND in Business, Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Finance or a related discipline.
• Currently studying towards, or committed to working towards, a Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) qualification.

Additionally:

• GCSE (or equivalent) English and Mathematics.
• Strong Microsoft Excel capability.
• Demonstrable interest in Procurement, Purchasing or Supply Chain Management.

Essential Experience

• Previous experience in an administrative, commercial support, retail, merchandising, purchasing or customer-focused environment.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Experience working with data, reports and business systems.
• Experience prioritising workload and managing multiple tasks effectively.

Desirable Experience

• Experience with in a purchasing, procurement, manufacturing, engineering or distribution environment.
• Experience using ERP, MRP or purchasing systems.
• Previous internship, placement year or entry-level role within Purchasing, Buying or Supply Chain.
• Progress towards a CIPS qualification.

Key Competencies

• Commercial Awareness
• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Relationship Building
• Planning and Organisation
• Communication and Influencing Skills
• Problem Solving
• Customer Focus
• Team Collaboration
• Initiative
• Continuous Improvement
• Accountability

Note

This position is a developmental support role within the Purchasing function and does not carry the category ownership, purchasing strategy, budget accountability or contractual responsibility associated with a Buyer role.