Assistant Buyer

Job Specification - Assistant Buyer

Role:
Assistant Buyer
Department:
Purchasing

Location:

Chorley
Reporting to:
Procurement Leader
Hours of Work:
Standard
Contract Type:
Permanent

Job Purpose

The Assistant Buyer supports the procurement function by coordinating supplier quotations, contributing to sourcing activities, and maintaining efficient purchasing processes. The role ensures timely communication, accurate administration, and effective relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders to help achieve commercial, operational, and strategic objectives.

Main

Duties & Responsibilities

Manage quotation requests daily, ensuring responses are handled within agreed service levels.
Organise and maintain the purchasing mailbox, resolving queries or escalating to Buyers where appropriate.
Prepare and issue enquiries to suppliers, coordinating and tracking responses.
Provide administrative support to the Purchasing team to maintain accurate records and smooth workflow.
Assist the operational supply function with supplier‑related issue resolution.
Support Buyers in addressing internal request requirements in a timely manner.
Expedite quotations and follow up with new and existing suppliers.
Take ownership of delegated tasks and ensure completion to expected standards.
Contribute to supplier management and cost‑reduction initiatives.
Produce clear, actionable summary information to support Buyer decision‑making.
Develop effective working relationships with suppliers and cross‑functional teams.
Identify and support continuous improvement opportunities within procurement processes.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
High level of computer literacy, including strong Microsoft Excel skills and the ability to analyse data.
Excellent administrative skills with strong attention to detail.
Proactive, self‑driven, and able to work independently when required.
Ability to prioritise tasks and work to strict deadlines.
Commercial awareness and sound judgement in decision‑making.

Experience with in a fast‑paced purchasing or similar environment (minimum 2 years desirable).
Experience dealing with suppliers and coordinating customer or internal requests.
Strong team ethic and ability to build productive supplier relationships.
Full driving licence and willingness to travel as required.

Adecco acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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