Purchasing Assistant / Administrator
Overview
Salary: £27,000 - £30,000 (negotiable depending on experience)
Location: Stansted / Bishop's Stortford area
Hours: 39.5 hours a week made up throughout the week with Friday afternoon off. Example: 7.45/8.15am-5pm/5.30 - Friday to 12.45pm
About the Company
A well-established and growing technical manufacturing and distribution business operating in a fast‑paced environment supplying technical components and products. The company has a strong reputation for quality, reliability and internal progression. The culture is collaborative and supportive, with a hands‑on approach where responsibilities often overlap and team members work closely together. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a business that genuinely invests in its people and promotes from within.
Role
This is a varied and hands‑on role supporting the CEO and CFO, with responsibility across purchasing, supplier management, cost control and administration. The position would suit either an experienced Purchasing Assistant looking to step up or someone with purchasing experience who is ready to take ownership of the purchasing function over time.
You will be involved in sourcing and ordering a wide range of technical components, from small parts such as cable ties and fixings to electrical wiring and automation‑related products, ensuring that materials are delivered on time and at the best possible cost.
Key Responsibilities
* Raise and upload purchase orders onto SAP.
* Chase suppliers and monitor order progress to ensure timely delivery of parts and materials.
* Follow up outstanding orders and resolve supply issues proactively.
* Check pricing accuracy on orders and supplier invoices.
* Manage contract renewals and supplier agreements.
* Source and procure a wide range of components and materials.
* Benchmark suppliers and go to market to secure competitive pricing.
* Identify opportunities to reduce costs across stock, parts and office supplies.
* Support initiatives to improve procurement efficiency and supplier performance.
* Process invoices on SAP and maintain accurate purchasing records.
* Maintain documentation and reporting related to purchasing activity.
* Provide high‑level administrative and operational support to the CEO and CFO.
* Work closely with colleagues across departments in a collaborative environment.
* Adapt to a role where responsibilities may evolve and overlap.
* Act as a reliable and assertive point of contact for suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Qualifications
* Previous experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain or a strong administrative role with supplier interaction.
* Confident, assertive and resilient character, comfortable chasing suppliers and driving outcomes.
* Highly organised, proactive and detail‑oriented.
* Strong communication skills and commercial awareness.
* Experience using SAP or similar ERP systems (or the ability to learn quickly).
* Experience: 3 years required.
Desirable
* Knowledge of electrical wiring, automotive, automation or technical products.
* Experience within manufacturing, engineering or technical environments.
* Ambition to develop into a more senior purchasing role.
What's on Offer
* Salary of £27,000 - £30,000 depending on experience.
* Genuine progression opportunities, with the potential to take on greater responsibility within purchasing.
* Close exposure to senior leadership and decision‑making.
* Supportive, friendly office environment with a collaborative culture.
* A varied role offering real responsibility and long‑term career development.
Equal Employment Opportunity
All applicants will be considered fairly without regard to gender, race, disability or other protected characteristics.
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