Purchasing Assistant

Reporting to:
Purchasing Manager

Location:

Berkshire

Salary: £26-29k + Benefits

The Opportunity

A growing electronics manufacturing business is looking for a Purchasing Assistant to support the Materials Controller / Purchasing Manager and play a key role in keeping production moving. This is a hands-on role at the centre of the operation—progressing orders, keeping the system accurate, supporting planning/kitting, and helping improve how the supply chain performs as the business scales.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll ensure purchase orders are acknowledged, delivery dates are confirmed and met, and any risks to supply are flagged early with clear options. You’ll also support invoice reconciliation and maintain accurate data in the MRP system (PSL Datatrack). As you grow into the role, you’ll help drive supplier performance, resolve supply issues, reduce stock discrepancies, and contribute to cost and process improvements.

Key Responsibilities

* Progress purchase orders: acknowledgements, confirmations and delivery dates

* Proactively chase open orders and escalate risks before they impact production

* Work closely with Planning/Operations to support kitting dates and build priorities

* Place orders against shortages and support contingency plans where needed

* Support supplier performance reviews and help improve on-time delivery

* Help resolve supplier non-conformances with Quality/Warehouse teams

* Maintain accurate purchasing and stock data in PSL Datatrack

* Reconcile supplier invoices so accounts have timely, correct information

* Spot recurring issues (stock variances, BOM errors, supply delays) and suggest improvements

What we’re looking for

* Strong attention to detail and pride in getting things right

* Confident communicator—comfortable speaking with suppliers and internal teams

* Organised, proactive and able to juggle priorities in a busy environment

* Problem-solving mindset: flags issues early and suggests solutions

* Comfortable using IT systems (MRP/ERP exposure is a bonus, not essential)

Why it’s a great role

You’ll be joining a supportive team in a business that’s growing, where purchasing has real impact on delivery performance and customer satisfaction. It’s a role with variety, clear development, and the chance to build a career in supply chain within a technical manufacturing environment