Assistant Buyer - Maternity Cover
Purpose of the Job
This is a fixed-term position to cover a maternity leave, with the contract expected to end around mid-April 2026. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring continuity of service and support to the purchasing function during this period.
As this is a temporary role, the candidate should demonstrate the ability to quickly integrate into the team and get up to speed with existing processes and systems.
Handover Period:
- The role will involve a handover period, during which the successful candidate will be trained on current workflows and procedures to ensure a smooth transition.
End-of-Term Handover:
- Towards the end of the contract, the candidate will be expected to hand over duties and ensure smooth knowledge transfer to the returning team member or a new hire.
Duration & Flexibility:
- Contract Duration: Fixed-term contract (maternity leave cover).
- Flexible Start Date: Ideally, candidates should be able to start as soon as possible to allow for a handover period.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities – Purchasing:
- Use ERP System to review buyer workbench daily.
- Raising, maintaining and expediting Purchase Orders daily (stock and non-stock) as necessary.
- Prepare pricing quotes for design, sales, interco and incoming freight.
- Visit suppliers and maintain relationships.
- Maintaining part parameters, stocking levels, price lists etc. on ERP System.
- Notify and mitigate cost increases where possible.
- Creating of part numbers using the ERP System, as necessary.
- Prepare and review suppliers KPI’s to improve delivery performance and stock valuation / availability.
- Reviewing and maintaining departmental training resources.
This is not intended as a complete or definitive statement of all duties or responsibilities of the job but as a record of the principal elements.
Professional / Vocational Qualifications or Specific Experience Required:
- Previous experience of working within a purchasing administration role.
- Looking to study CIPS.
- Good knowledge of Word, Excel and Outlook.
- Knowledge of ERP Systems required, and Epicor is an advantage.
- Basic understanding of engineering drawings is an advantage.
Person Specification:
- Confident with the ability to communicate with people at all levels with the Company and within its customer/supplier base.
- Strong administration skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent diplomatic communication skills.
- Ability to multi-task in a demanding / changing environment.
- Proactive, professional and committed to providing first class customer service.
- A positive “can-do” attitude, enthusiastic, hardworking, driven and a team player.
