Purchasing Assistant

We're recruiting for a Purchasing & Inventory Assistant to join an established manufacturing business. Working closely with the Commercial Manager, you'll support day-to-day purchasing, maintain accurate stock records and help ensure materials are available when production needs them.

This role would suit someone with purchasing experience, strong organisational skills and a proactive approach.

Purchasing and supplier support

• Raise and process purchase orders, ensuring the correct approvals are in place.

• Source materials and obtain supplier prices, availability and delivery information.

• Order materials against production schedules and internal requirements.

• Track outstanding orders and follow up with suppliers to meet delivery deadlines.

• Check deliveries against purchase orders and resolve shortages, incorrect items and other discrepancies.

• Support supplier onboarding and monitor supplier performance.

• Ensure purchases meet agreed specifications, quality requirements and cost expectations.

Inventory and stock control

• Maintain accurate inventory records, including stock receipts, issues and transfers.

• Monitor stock levels and flag shortages or replenishment requirements.

• Assist with regular stock checks and investigate discrepancies between physical stock and system records.

• Work with production and other departments to anticipate material requirements.

• Help identify slow-moving or excess stock to reduce waste and unnecessary purchasing.

• Support the ordering and stock administration of production materials and consumables.

Administration and team support

• Keep purchasing, delivery and production paperwork accurate and up to date.

• Scan, file and archive documents and samples in line with company procedures.

• Prepare purchasing and inventory reports when required.

• Order and distribute company workwear and safety footwear.

• Provide general administrative support and purchasing cover during holidays or absence.

• Previous purchasing experience, ideally within manufacturing or a production environment.

• An understanding of inventory management or stock control.

• Good IT skills and confidence maintaining accurate system records.

• Strong organisation, attention to detail and the ability to prioritise.

• Clear communication skills and confidence dealing with suppliers and colleagues.

• A proactive, reliable team player who can also work independently.

At Recra Ltd, we believe that great people come from all backgrounds. We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process where everyone is treated with fairness, respect, and equal opportunity.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. If you require any reasonable adjustments or additional support at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know-we're here to help.

Recra Ltd is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout every stage of the recruitment journey.

In accordance with the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003, Recra Ltd acts as an Employment Agency when recruiting for permanent vacancies and as an Employment Business when supplying temporary or contract workers.