Purchasing Assistant

Overview

We are currently recruiting on behalf of a successful manufacturing and distribution business for a proactive and detail-focused Purchasing Assistant. Working closely with the Materials Management Lead, you will help ensure materials and stock are available when and where they are needed to support business operations and customer demand. This varied role will see you involved in the full purchasing and stock replenishment process, from supporting inventory planning and supplier coordination to maintaining accurate system information and helping to optimise stock availability.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in keeping things organised and running efficiently.

• Assist in the creation of monthly purchase offers to maintain optimal stock levels.
• Generate and process Purchase Orders based on inventory data and sales trends.
• Ensure alignment with suppliers regarding pricing, quantities, and delivery schedules.
• Proactively expedite purchase orders and communicate with suppliers to secure realistic, updated arrival dates.
• Act as the first line of defense against stock shortages by identifying at-risk orders.
• Respond to internal queries regarding stock status and incoming deliveries.
• Identify and action any issues (delays & potential stockouts) in a timely manner, escalating to the Lead when necessary.

• Previous experience in a purchasing/admin role within wholesale, distribution, or manufacturing.
• A genuine interest in purchasing, supply chain, or inventory analytics.
• Comfortable working with numbers, spreadsheets, and data to make decisions.
• Question the status quo and want to understand the "why" behind the numbers.
• Ability to manage multiple open POs and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Hybrid working – Friday's working from home.
• 20 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays + 1 day added each year going up to 25 days.
• Pension Scheme.
• Death in service.