Junior Purchasing Assistant

United Kingdom Hays Business Support

Your new company
An established and highly successful manufacturing organisation is seeking a Junior Purchasing Assistant to join its busy procurement team. Operating within a fast-paced production environment, the business is committed to delivering operational excellence and maintaining strong supplier partnerships. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop a long-term career within purchasing, procurement, or supply chain operations.

Your new role
As a Junior Purchasing Assistant, you will provide administrative and operational support to the purchasing function, ensuring the smooth management of purchase orders, supplier communications, and material deliveries. You will work closely with internal departments and external suppliers to ensure continuity of supply and help maintain accurate procurement records and systems.
Responsibilities will include:

• Managing purchase order confirmations and supplier acknowledgements.
• Updating and maintaining purchase order information within the ERP system.
• Reviewing open order books and monitoring outstanding orders.
• Tracking deliveries and shipment schedules to ensure timely receipt of materials.
• Following up with suppliers regarding order status and expediting requirements.
• Communicating supplier delays and delivery changes to internal stakeholders.
• Escalating supplier performance issues where commitments are not met.
• Managing consumable purchasing requirements and stock levels.
• Supporting procurement activities for site facilities.
• Assisting with supplier onboarding and vendor setup processes.
• Maintaining supplier information within the vendor management system.
• Carrying out data checks and due diligence activities to support the purchasing team.
• Maintaining accurate records, documentation, and filing systems.

What you'll need to succeed
To be successful in this role, you'll be an organised and proactive individual with strong administrative skills and excellent attention to detail.You'll ideally possess:

• Previous experience in an administrative, procurement, purchasing, or supply chain support role.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• A proactive approach and willingness to learn new processes and systems.
• Good problem-solving skills and the confidence to follow up with suppliers.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.

What you'll get in return

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• The opportunity to gain valuable experience within a professional procurement environment.
• Career progression and development opportunities within purchasing and supply chain.
• Ongoing training and support from an experienced team.
• Exposure to ERP systems and supplier management processes.
• A collaborative and supportive working environment.
• The chance to develop a long-term career within a growing and successful organisation.

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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