Assistant Buyer

Assistant Buyer

Looking to build a career in procurement with a business that will invest in your development?

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with administration, purchasing or supply chain experience who is keen to develop a long-term career in buying. Working as part of a supportive Procurement team, you'll gain exposure to supplier management, purchasing processes, market research and spend analysis while learning from experienced procurement professionals.

If you're organised, analytical and enjoy building relationships, we'd love to hear from you.

About VPK

At VPK, we create sustainable paper-based packaging solutions that help businesses across the UK and Ireland operate more efficiently while reducing their environmental impact.

Operating across Europe, we're proud to combine innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement while investing in the development of our people.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Procurement, you'll provide day-to-day support to the Procurement team, helping to ensure goods and services are purchased efficiently while maintaining accurate records and supporting supplier performance.

This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop your procurement knowledge within a busy manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

* Raise and manage purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company procedures.

* Support the Procurement team with day-to-day purchasing activities.

* Conduct market research to identify new suppliers and products.

* Build positive working relationships with suppliers and internal departments.

* Help monitor supplier performance, delivery schedules and pricing.

* Produce reports and analyse procurement data using ERP systems and Microsoft Excel.

* Maintain procurement records, supplier documentation and contracts.

* Assist with continuous improvement initiatives and identify opportunities to improve processes.

* Provide general administrative support to the Procurement department as required.

About You

This role would suit someone who is organised, proactive and looking to develop a career within procurement.

You'll ideally have:

* Previous experience in an administration, purchasing, buying, supply chain or commercial support role.

* Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail.

* Good numerical and analytical ability.

* Confident IT skills, including Microsoft Excel.

* Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive working relationships.

* A willingness to learn and develop within procurement.

* A proactive attitude with the confidence to suggest improvements.

Previous procurement experience is beneficial but not essential—we're equally keen to hear from candidates with transferable administration or supply chain experience who are looking to develop their career.

Why Join VPK?

We believe our people are key to our success and offer a supportive environment where you can develop your skills and build a long-term career.

Our benefits include:

* 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays)

* Company pension scheme

* Healthcare Cash Plan

* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)