Assistant Buyer

This is an entry level job, therefore full training will be provided, once fully trained you will be able to: 

The Assistant Buyer is an ambassador of our vision and values and demonstrates a professional, consistent approach to all supplier and internal stakeholder interactions.

Purchasing Operations & MRP

• Prepare and raise purchase orders (POs) and order schedules in line with MRP requirements for raw materials.


• Support the Buyer with scheduling of key materials and packaging components and ordering through MRP.


• Take ownership of the customer-supplied MRP, ensuring accuracy and timely updates.


• Liaise directly with customers regarding customer-supplied materials, ensuring these materials are approved and delivered in time for production.


• Liaise with the Buyer/Senior Buyer and internal teams (Planning, Sales, Warehouse, Operations) regarding MRP requirements and supply status.

Inbox, Order Confirmations & System Accuracy

• Proactively manage the purchasing inbox, confirm POs, and manage price or material changes, challenging these where required.


• Use accurate confirmation statuses on the Solvitt system to reflect each stage of the order process and ensure the Planning team has the most up-to-date information.


• Take ownership of the Outstanding Orders report; chase unconfirmed POs with suppliers and/or the Warehouse team.


• Review supplier order trackers, ensure information is reflected accurately in the system, and challenge any delays.

Supplier Performance & OTIF

• Solely manage OTIF reporting across the top 30 supply chain, utilising LD codes to capture reasons for delay.


• Assist suppliers to achieve a minimum OTIF of 94.5% and communicate the 96.5% target; raise service-provider non-conformances where scores fall below 94.5%.


• Gather supplier data and produce performance dashboards; contribute to a performance-measured supply chain showing continuous improvement.

Data, Codes & Root-Cause Capture

• Utilise PPV codes and LD codes to capture accurate information relating to POs (e.g., reasons for delays or price increases); ensure any price increase is supported by appropriate evidence.

Indirect Procurement & Projects

• Place orders for indirect goods and liaise with stakeholders across the business on indirect projects and requirements.


• Support the Senior Buyer with the scope and execution of indirect projects.


• Raise indirect POs through the MRP system up to £10,000 following the appropriate Delegation of Authority (DOA) process; discuss any indirect orders above this value with the Senior Buyer prior to raising.

Financials & Invoicing

• Manage invoice queries with the Accounts team and suppliers; contact suppliers to resolve price, quality, delivery, or invoice issues as needed.


• Forward any invoices sent to the Purchasing team to Accounts Payable for processing.

Consumables Management

• Own the consumables purchasing process and support the Senior Buyer in driving efficiencies in this area.

Quality & Non-Conformances

• Support the Quality team in raising and sending non-conformances (materials or packaging) to the supply chain and track supplier responses.

Sourcing & Re-sourcing

• Source and re-source materials from the trusted supply base as required to ensure continuity of supply and value for money.


• During the sourcing process ensure that any new suppliers follow the Bee Health supplier approval process.

Reporting, Communication & Continuous Improvement

• Track and report on cost-saving activities; support procurement cost-down initiatives.


• Prepare reports and updates; monitor and advise on issues that present risk or opportunity to the organisation.


• Act as an interface between suppliers and relevant departments on purchasing processes, new projects, and activities; communicate any supply problems that may impact the business to the Purchasing Manager.


• Work closely with Sales and Planning for continuous improvement and wider business benefits.

Compliance, Ethics, Health & Safety

• Ensure compliance with company guidelines, purchasing policies and procedures—including the UK Anti-Bribery Act—during supplier negotiations and contract award processes.


• Adhere to health, safety, and environmental policies and procedures to ensure the wellbeing of self, staff, and visitors.


• Support the development of the Purchasing Team ESG process including implementation of a scoring matrix and how this process is implemented during the supplier on boarding process and keeping the information up to date.

Person specification

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong verbal communication; able to present data clearly.


• Critical thinker and problem solver; logical and able to plan ahead.


• Builds relationships quickly; exceptional interpersonal skills to resolve complex issues, fostering strong relationships with both internal stakeholders and suppliers.


• Highly motivated self-starter; able to work on own initiative, occasionally remote from the team.


• Excellent computer skills (MS Office & Excel). ERP experience preferred but not essential.


• Experience in data analytics; ownership of data integrity and accuracy.


• Strong time-management and organisational skills.

Experience / Technical Skills

• Effective organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and, where appropriate, delegate.


• Analytical and problem-solving capability; able to advise on suitable solutions to meet organisational needs.


• Effective verbal and written communication; confident presenter.


• Understanding of equality of opportunity and diversity.


• Ability to handle difficult/sensitive situations professionally.


• Ability to manage, motivate, and develop people.


• Resilient under pressure; able to meet a varied, time-critical workload.


• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams on indirect projects.


• Knowledge of when to prioritise business-critical objectives to prevent downtime in production.

Office Based:  Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

Salary:  Up to £29,000 depending on experience

Bonus:  5% annual bonus