Purchasing Assistant

We are thrilled to be working with our client who are seeking a Purchasing Assistant to support them on a permanent basis.

Duties will include:

• Supporting the Purchasing Manager with the daily operations of the group purchasing function.
• Preparing and reviewing purchase requests for materials using data from the company’s MRP system or manual orders.
• Managing purchase orders with approved suppliers through the MRP system.
• Assisting the Mail Order Purchasing Team with procurement tasks, especially during peak periods or holiday cover.
• Following up on outstanding purchase orders with suppliers and ensuring updates are reflected in the MRP system.
• Coordinating purchasing matters with the Manufacturing and Production teams on a daily basis.
• Maintaining a strong commercial awareness and communicating effectively to support business objectives.
• Building and enhancing strong relationships with suppliers.
• Tracking, assessing, and enhancing supplier performance using key performance indicators to make strategic decisions.
• Recognising the importance of dual sourcing to safeguard business requirements.
• Assisting with international procurement from suppliers outside the EU, including India and China.
• Collaborating with the Accounts Department to track material cost changes and ensure deliveries align with purchase orders.
• Logging and maintaining supplier non-conformances, providing monthly reports, and implementing corrective actions where necessary.
• Supporting the Goods Inwards function, including booking in and distributing small items across the site.
• Carrying out any other reasonable tasks associated with the role.

Skills & Experience:

• Previous experience in a purchasing role.
• Familiarity with MRP systems (preferred).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Skilled in negotiation, including handling challenging discussions.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate within a team.
• Adaptability and openness to change.
• High level of accuracy and methodical approach to tasks, meeting deadlines effectively.
• Ability to select the most suitable communication methods to match business and individual needs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Full UK driving licence.

LOCATION: Lowestoft
HOURS: Monday to Friday
DURATION: Permanent
PAY: £13 per hour

If you feel you have the relevant skills and experience to succeed in this position, please apply with your current CV. Why work through Hales Group? All our Consultants are committed and qualified in what they do and have been operating in Lowestoft for many years. We treat candidates as our customers and try to find the right job solution for you.

Hales Group Ltd collects and keeps information from applicants, so that we can monitor our recruitment process, ensure compliance with the Equal Opportunities policy, and when appropriate send you details of future job opportunities. We keep your name and address, and details of your application. If you do not want us to do this please contact your local branch

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