Purchasing Assistant

Purchasing Assistant
Location: Edenbridge (Hybrid)
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Full-time, Permanent
Join a growing manufacturing business
Morgan Jones is recruiting on behalf of a successful and growing manufacturing business for a Purchasing Assistant to join its procurement team.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with some experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain or materials coordination who enjoys working with data, keeping things organised and making sure everything the production team needs is available when required.
You don't need to be an experienced Buyer or a confident negotiator. The focus of the role initially will be on supporting the Purchasing Manager, keeping purchasing data accurate, monitoring orders and making sure suppliers deliver on time. There will be opportunities to develop your purchasing knowledge and take on more responsibility as you progress.
The Role
Working closely with the Purchasing Manager and Production team, you will help ensure materials and supplies are available when required and that outstanding orders are actively managed.
Your responsibilities will include:
* Monitoring purchase orders and supplier deliveries
* Chasing suppliers where orders are late or at risk of being delayed
* Keeping on top of outstanding orders and escalating issues promptly
* Liaising with suppliers regarding delivery dates and order updates
* Supporting the Purchasing Manager with day-to-day purchasing administration
* Reviewing large amounts of purchasing and supplier data
* Creating and maintaining Excel reports, pivot tables and charts
* Producing reports on supplier performance, outstanding orders and purchasing activity
* Maintaining accurate purchasing and supplier records within the ERP/MRP system
* Working closely with Production to understand material requirements and identify potential shortages
* Supporting stock availability and helping to prevent production delays
* Identifying discrepancies and following these through to resolution
* Supporting general purchasing and procurement activities as required
* Developing your knowledge of purchasing, suppliers and procurement processes over time
About You
We're looking for someone who is organised, proactive and comfortable working with data.
You may already be working as a Purchasing Assistant, Procurement Assistant, Supply Chain Coordinator, Materials Coordinator, Purchasing Administrator or in a similar role.
You will ideally have:
* Some previous experience within purchasing, procurement, supply chain, materials or a similar environment
* Strong Excel skills, including the ability to work with large amounts of data and create pivot tables/charts
* Good attention to detail and a methodical approach
* The confidence to chase suppliers and follow up outstanding actions
* A proactive approach – if something is late, you'll want to know why and get it resolved
* Good communication skills and the ability to build professional supplier relationships
* Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities
* Experience using an ERP/MRP system would be advantageous
* Manufacturing experience would be beneficial but is not essential
Most importantly, we're looking for someone who enjoys being on top of the detail, working with data and making sure things happen.
This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to develop their career in purchasing. Initially, the role will be heavily focused on supporting the Purchasing Manager and ensuring production has everything it needs, with the opportunity to develop into broader purchasing responsibilities over time.
Benefits
* Competitive salary
* Hybrid working
* Company pension
* On-site parking
* Training and development opportunities
* Long-term career progression
* Supportive and collaborative working environment
Morgan Jones is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer.
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