Operations & Commercial Assistant

Job Description

Salary:

£25-40k+ (negotiable, dependent on experience), with performance-based bonus, health insurance, pension contributions, car allowance etc.
Hours:

Monday – Friday (09:00-17:00)
Location:

Flexible (min. 3/4 days in-person per week, Leeds office)
Job Title:

Operations & Commercial Assistant

Launched in 2018, Anstar is a rapidly expanding start-up in the speciality chemical distributor space. We have quickly gained prominence in the UV-curable raw materials market, including photoinitiators used in inks, coatings, adhesives, 3D printing and electronics.

In just four years since welcoming our first customers, we have experienced remarkable growth.
Anstar is widely recognised and highly regarded in the industry for exemplifying our core philosophies: trust, transparency, ethical conduct, and unwavering customer-centricity. These values have helped us forge strong partnerships with suppliers and customers who are at the heart of our business.

As we continue to grow, we are seeking a talented and enthusiastic Ops & Commercial Assistant to join our team. In our close-knit and entrepreneurial environment, you'll manage Anstar's entire supply chain, drive customer engagement and improve our operational efficiency and performance. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a high-growth company where your contributions will directly influence our success. Additionally, there's numerous growth opportunities for this role depending on performance and ambition.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Order processing and follow-ups (POs, despatch notes, proformas, invoices, COAs)
Supply and demand forecasting based on market conditions, macroeconomic environment and customer requirements
Stock management and planning
Operation and oversight of CRM and ERP software
Liaising with warehouse for despatching orders and communicating updates and/ or issues with customers
Clear and effective communication by phone, email and other means with clients, suppliers and internal colleagues to expedite planning, ordering, delivery and accounting requirements of clients and suppliers
Recording of sales information, documents, and customer contact information
Ensuring payments are received from customers on time and carrying out credit checks when required
Arranging samples for customers and monitoring stock levels at 3rd party sample company
General administration duties, including marketing, events organisation, scheduling and maintaining office welfare
Domestic and international travel may be required on occasions to attend trade shows and assist on customer visits if necessary

Essential requirements for the role:
Previous purchasing, logistics and customer service experience is essential (2+ years)
Understanding of how distribution companies work, with insight into the chemicals industry
Road, Sea & Air Freight experience
Enthusiastic, open-minded and very willing to learn
Excellent attention to detail with strong time management skills
Organised and self-motivated, willing to take the initiative and be proactive
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and high interpersonal competence and negotiation abilities
Committed to going above and beyond expectations
Proficient with software such as CRMs, ERPs, XERO etc.
Tech savvy – highly proficient in working with technology (laptops, phones, printers etc.) and Microsoft software (Windows, Excel, PowerPoint etc.)
Able to work independently under remote management (e.g., WFH)
Highly proficient in English

Advantageous/desirable

qualities
Experience with dangerous goods transport and storage
Interest or previous experience in the chemicals industry is desirable but not essential
Experience in logistics highly desirable – import/export procedures, incoterms, interacting with global freight forwarders and couriers
Experience in warehousing and stock

management/invoicing
Experience working for an agent or distributor

Please click on apply or submit a CV to: [email protected]

The interview process will consist of 2-3 rounds. 1st round will be via a Teams call, 2nd & 3rd rounds will be in-person. We will aim to provide feedback to all candidates who secure a 1st round interview.

We very much look forward to hearing from you.
The Anstar Team

Equal Opportunity:
Anstar is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Website: www.anstar-ltd.com

Offices: Airedale House, 423 Kirkstall Rd, Leeds, LS4 2EW
Founder & Managing Director: Dr Liangyu Hawkes