PS Personnel are pleased to be working on behalf of our clients, who are currently seeking a Purchasing Assistant to join their team based in Lowestoft on a full-time, permanent basis. Main Responsibilities: Assist the Purchasing Manager in the day-to-day running of the group purchasing function. Create and review purchase requests for material(s) via extracted data from the companies MRP system or manual purchase requests. Liaise and place purchase orders with approved suppliers via MRP system. Assist the Mail Order Purchasing Team in all purchasing related activities during peak and other required times such as holiday cover. Progress outstanding purchase orders with suppliers - Updating MRP system. Coordinate and liaise purchasing related topics with the Manufacturing / Production team members on a daily basis. To be commercially aware and able to communicate to all staff as required to match business objectives. Support and promote strong supplier relationships. Develop, understand and monitor supplier performance using KPI’s to make strategic supplier decisions. Able to understand and identify the importance of dual source to protect the requirements of the business needs. Assist in the collation and placement of import orders outside of the EU - India & China. Communicate with the Accounts Department to ensure material cost changes are picked up and deliveries reconcile with purchase orders. Record and maintain supplier non-conformances, report monthly and as necessary implement any appropriate actions to prevent reoccurrence. Support Goods inwards function where needed - booking in / distribution of small items to various areas around site. Any other reasonable tasks associated and requested within this role. Person Specification: Previous experience working within a purchasing environment. Understanding of MRP systems desirable Knowledge of engineering manufacturing and materials desirable. Good verbal and written communication skills. Able to negotiate well, including dealing with difficult situations. Ability to work without direct supervision and to cooperate as part of a team. Flexible and receptive to change. Able to work accurately and methodically within timescales. Using the most appropriate method of communication to meet individual and business needs effectively. Proficient in Microsoft Excel Full UK Driving Licence. Experience and Qualifications: GCSE Grades A-C in Maths and English (or equivalent qualification). Previous experience in a similar role or able to demonstrate ability to provide statistical analysis in previous roles. Previous experience working in a busy manufacturing / operations environment. Desire to work towards a CIPS Qualification. Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week Flexibility during the Company’s peak trading periods If this is a role you are interested in, please apply online ensuring your CV is up to date.