We have an excellent Purchasing opportunity for a leading manufacturer in Durham. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, our client is committed to providing durable and cost-effective solutions that meet the evolving needs of the industry. Our client is looking for a detail-oriented and proactive Purchasing Assistant to support their procurement operations. This role is critical in ensuring the timely and cost-effective sourcing of raw materials, components, and other supplies required for manufacturing. Initially this is a temporary role with potential for permanent. Key Responsibilities: * Assist the Purchasing Manager with day-to-day procurement activities. * Issue purchase orders based on stocklevels, production schedules, and supplier lead times. * Communicate with suppliers to confirm order details, pricing, and delivery timelines. * Maintain accurate records of purchase orders, supplier invoices, and receiving documents. * Track deliveries and follow up on delays or discrepancies. * Help evaluate supplier performance in terms of quality, cost, and reliability. * Coordinate with warehouse and production teams to ensure material availability. * Support cost-saving initiatives by sourcing alternative vendors or negotiating pricing. * Maintain up-to-date knowledge of raw materials and building product specifications. Requirements: * 1–2 years of purchasing or administrative experience, preferably in a manufacturing or construction-related environment. * Strong communication and negotiation skills. * Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel; ERP experience is a plus – specifically SAGE 200 (not essential) * Attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities. * Team-oriented, with a proactive and problem-solving mindset