Purchasing Assistant
Location: Southampton, Hampshire
Salary: £28,500
Contract: 12-month Fixed Term Contract
Working Pattern: Full-time, onsite
About the Company
We are a high-tech manufacturing company based in Southampton, designing and producing advanced laser-based technology used across a wide range of industrial applications. Our products are supplied to customers globally, and our UK operation plays a key role within a well-established international engineering group. The environment is fast-paced, technical and collaborative, offering exposure to modern manufacturing and supply chain operations.
The Role
Reporting to the Senior Buyer, this role provides hands-on support to the purchasing function and the wider supply chain team. It is a varied position offering excellent exposure to procurement, inventory management and supplier coordination within a manufacturing environment. This role would suit someone with some purchasing experience or someone looking to develop a career in supply chain and procurement.
Key Responsibilities
Generate and issue inventory purchase orders in line with MRP demand and commodity strategies
Raise non-production purchase orders and obtain order acknowledgements
Expedite late deliveries and maintain accurate delivery dates within the MRP system
Liaise with internal stakeholders on the status of open non-production purchase orders
Manage Kanban systems, stock replenishment and invoice reconciliation
Work with internal teams and suppliers to resolve delivery and invoice queries
Support cost, lead-time and payment term negotiations
Assist with supplier change projects (ECOs and ECRs)
Support new product development and introduction activities
Produce monthly and quarterly KPI reports, including supplier spend and performance data
Collect, maintain and manage supplier compliance data
Input and maintain accurate master data within the ERP system
Complete monthly credit card reconciliation
Manage stock control and purchasing for communal areas and meeting rooms, including stationery
Skills & Experience
Previous purchasing experience is beneficial but not essential
Experience in an office-based role; exposure to manufacturing environments is an advantage
Strong IT skills, particularly MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Teams
Confident with numerical data and accurate data handling
Personal Attributes
Strong verbal and written communication skills
High attention to detail and accuracy
Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
Comfortable working in a dynamic environment with changing priorities
Calm, professional and respectful when working under pressure
Positive, proactive attitude with a willingness to learn and develop
This is a great opportunity to gain valuable experience within a high-tech manufacturing supply chain, working alongside experienced professionals in a supportive and technically interesting environment.
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