Job Title: Purchasing Coordinator (part-time)
Location: Kettering
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 annual equivalent (pro-rata)
Job Type: Full Time, Permanent
Working Hours: 20 - 24 hours per week (4-5 hours per day, Monday- Friday)
Role Overview:
We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Purchasing Coordinator to support our procurement operations. The ideal candidate will take ownership of progressing purchase orders efficiently from placement through to delivery, ensuring all transactions are accurate, cost-effective, and compliant with company procedures. The Purchasing Coordinator is also responsible for managing rolling-stock items by forecasting usage against customer orders in order to prevent stock-outs. This role requires excellent attention to detail, strong initiative, and the ability to negotiate and partner effectively with suppliers.
We're looking for someone who is proactive and self-motivated - someone who takes ownership of their work and enjoys making things happen. As part of a small team, you'll also be ready to lend a hand in other areas when needed, covering for colleagues during times of absence, and being comfortable speaking directly with customers if required to ensure smooth operations and excellent service.
Key Responsibilities:
Manage purchase orders from initiation through to delivery, ensuring all details (pricing, specifications, delivery dates) are correct and up to date.
Take a hands-on, project management approach to each order - planning timelines, tracking progress, identifying delays, and taking proactive steps to resolve issues.
Chase and progress orders with suppliers and internal departments to ensure goods and services are received on time and in full.
Maintain clear communication with stakeholders, providing regular updates on order status and highlighting potential risks or delays.
Verify and reconcile purchase orders against delivery notes and invoices, resolving any discrepancies promptly.
Keep accurate records of all order activity within the purchasing system to ensure full traceability.
Support supplier performance reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
Ensure all purchasing activity complies with company policies and audit requirements.
Maintain accurate procurement and stock records.
Forecast and plan material requirements based on production and sales needs.
Track and record quality complaints to monitor supplier performance, addressing any areas of concern as required.
Analyse outstanding orders and forecasts to understand potential material shortages and make informed buying decisions.About you:
Experience in purchasing preferred.
Adequate Excel capabilities
Strong negotiation and communication skills
Organised and detail-oriented, with a proactive approach to problem-solving
Comfortable working independently and taking full ownership of your area
Flexible and team-minded - happy to step in and help wherever needed
Excellent attention to detail, able to spot discrepancies and potential errors
Experience in print or paper preferredAdditional Information:
You must have the right to work in the UK to be considered for this vacancy. Recruitment agencies need not apply.
Candidates with experience or relevant job titles of: Purchasing Representative, Purchase Specialist, Purchasing Assistant, Logistics Administrator, Logistics Coordinator, Purchasing Administrator may also be considered for this role