Assistant Buyer
Office Based – Normanton
Type: Permanent, Full-time
Working hours: 40 hours.
Reporting to: Group Procurement Manager
Liaising with: All colleagues
Job Purpose:
To support the procurement team in ensuring the effective and efficient purchase of goods and services. The Assistant Buyer will play a critical role in maintaining accurate pricing information, analysing supplier pricing trends, and facilitating procurement decision-making processes.
Key Responsibilities:
Procurement Support:
- Assist in sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing goods and services in line with company requirements and budgetary constraints.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure timely delivery and optimal pricing.
- Monitor supplier performance and report discrepancies to the Procurement Manager.
Pricing and Data Management:
- Maintain parts sales prices in the Syrinx system, ensuring all updates are accurate and timely.
- Regularly review and update pricing databases to reflect supplier changes and market trends.
- Manage price lists and communicate updates to relevant internal teams.
Pricing Analysis:
- Analyse supplier pricing trends and compare against historical pricing to identify patterns or inconsistencies.
- Provide detailed reports on movement in previous prices paid and recommend areas for cost savings.
- Work with the procurement team to benchmark supplier pricing against market standards.
Strategic Procurement Decisions:
- Ensure that all pricing discussions and negotiations are initiated and led by the procurement team.
- Support procurement-led strategies to achieve cost efficiencies and enhance supplier relationships.
Administrative Duties:
- Prepare and process purchase orders and other procurement documentation.
- Handle invoice discrepancies and resolve issues in collaboration with suppliers and internal departments.
- Maintain accurate and organised procurement records for audits and reviews.
Key Skills and Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree or qualification through experience in Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred.
Experience:
- Previous experience in a purchasing or procurement role is desirable.
- Familiarity with Syrinx or other inventory management systems is advantageous.
Skills:
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret pricing trends and data.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
Personal Attributes:
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
- Proactive and able to work independently or as part of a team.
- Adaptable and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys data-driven decision-making, thrives on building supplier relationships, and is eager to develop their career in procurement. Through this position there is the possibility of qualifying through a CIPS apprenticeship.
Benefits:
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays per year
- Birthday off
- Life Insurance (2.5x annual salary)
- Company Referral Scheme (up to £1000 awarded)
- Company Cycle to Work Scheme – we buy the bike and you pay us back saving your NI
- Long Service Award – gifts, hampers, vouchers and more for long service
- Enhanced Company Pension Scheme (up to 5%, and via salary sacrifice where applicable)
- Medicash is our Healthcare Cash Plan (including access to virtual GP, and discounted prices at selected retailers and gyms)
- Learning & Development culture (professional qualifications, access to apprenticeships and more)