Assistant Purchasing Manager

Bates and Bradshaw Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Assistant Purchasing Manager to join our dynamic team within a fast-paced manufacturing facility. This role supports the Purchasing Manager in overseeing procurement operations, ensuring timely supply of materials, maintaining cost-effectiveness, and building strong supplier relationships to support production needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in managing the end-to-end purchasing process, including sourcing, negotiating, and ordering materials and services.
• Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with production planning teams to ensure material availability and avoid downtime.
• Evaluate supplier performance and participate in vendor selection, development, and management.
• Work with internal departments (e.g., production, quality, finance) to align procurement activities with operational goals.
• Track orders and resolve any issues related to delivery delays, quality concerns, or discrepancies.
• Support cost reduction initiatives while maintaining product quality and service levels.
• Maintain accurate records and purchasing documentation using ERP systems.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations.
• Prepare reports and analytics on purchasing metrics and supplier performance.
• Provide support to the Purchasing Manager on strategic sourcing projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience in a procurement or supply chain role, ideally within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Solid understanding of purchasing procedures and supply chain principles.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar).
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-moving environment.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and liaise confidently with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.

Desirable:

• CIPS qualification or working towards it.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing or just-in-time (JIT) processes.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Opportunities for growth and professional development
• A collaborative and supportive working culture
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Company pension scheme