Purchasing Assistant/Supply Chain Co-ordinator
Location: Newmarket area | Hybrid working available
Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday
The Opportunity
An established and growing business is seeking an analytical and commercially aware Purchasing Assistant/Supply Chain Co-ordinator to join its product and planning function. This role offers broad exposure across stock control, demand forecasting and supplier coordination, making it ideal for someone looking to strengthen their career within a fast-paced environment.
You'll play a pivotal role in ensuring the right stock is in the right place at the right time, supporting sales performance and margin optimisation across a large product portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
* Support forward planning of stock to maximise availability while controlling levels of surplus and markdown
* Assist with demand forecasting, budgeting and category planning to support trading objectives
* Manage products through the full life cycle, from initial intake to clearance
* Maintain accurate stock planning within forecasting systems, ensuring alignment with business targets
* Track and manage a sizeable product range, coordinating purchase orders and end-of-life planning
* Liaise with international suppliers, primarily across Asia, placing repeat orders and supporting cost negotiations
* Coordinate shipment planning, container utilisation and inbound stock schedules
* Oversee logistics activity, monitoring deliveries and resolving delays or discrepancies
* Produce detailed performance analysis to support trading reviews and decision-making
* Contribute insight into weekly trading discussions through data-led reporting
Reporting & Commercial Analysis
* Compile regular stock and sales performance reports
* Maintain forecasting and inventory systems, completing weekly planning routines
* Produce periodic buying and replenishment proposals, identifying opportunities, risks and slow-moving lines
* Deliver ad-hoc analysis to support commercial decisions across the wider business
* Track KPIs and ensure reporting remains accurate and timely
About You
* Highly analytical with strong attention to detail
* Commercially minded with a proactive, solutions-focused approach
* Confident communicator with the ability to manage multiple priorities
* Comfortable working in a fast-moving environment
* Advanced Excel capability (including Pivot Tables and lookups)
* Previous experience within merchandising, retail planning or supply chain would be beneficial
What's On Offer
* Hybrid working arrangement
* Opportunity to develop within a collaborative and commercially driven team
* Exposure to end-to-end product life cycle management
* Hands-on involvement with international sourcing and logistics
* Ongoing training and system development opportunities