Assistant Purchasing Manager
Assistant Purchasing Manager
£32,000 - £40,000 DOE + Bonus + Benefits + Career Progression
Looking for a genuine opportunity to progress your purchasing career within a fast-growing and highly ambitious electrical distribution business?
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Purchasing Manager to join a well-established and expanding organisation operating within the electrical distribution and cable supply sector.
This is a fantastic opportunity for somebody already working within purchasing, stock control, supply chain or buying who is looking to step into a broader and more commercially influential role with genuine long-term progression.
Working closely with senior leadership and the Purchasing Manager, you will play a key role supporting purchasing strategy, supplier management, stock profiling, forecasting, international buying and supply chain operations across a wide range of electrical products and accessories.
The Role
The Assistant Purchasing Manager will support the day-to-day management of purchasing and supply chain activities, helping ensure product availability, strong supplier performance and commercial competitiveness across the business.
Key responsibilities are likely to include:
- Supporting purchasing activities across electrical cable and associated product ranges
- Building and maintaining strong supplier and manufacturer relationships both within the UK and internationally
- Assisting with international buying activities and overseas supplier communication
- Managing and monitoring inbound shipments, container schedules and delivery timelines
- Processing import documentation and liaising with freight forwarders, shipping agents and logistics providers
- Supporting supplier negotiations around pricing, rebates, payment terms and supply agreements
- Supporting stock forecasting and demand planning in collaboration with sales teams
- Monitoring stock profiles, stock rotation and inventory performance
- Assisting with purchasing strategy and continuous improvement initiatives
- Supporting improvements to purchasing systems, processes and reporting
- Processing supplier orders and monitoring supplier performance and lead times
- Monitoring market trends, supplier pricing movements and product availability
- Producing reports, KPI data and purchasing analysis for senior management
- Supporting product conformity, compliance and supplier quality standards
- Working collaboratively with internal departments including sales, operations and logistics
- Helping ensure strong supplier communication and service levels are maintained
We are looking for somebody commercially aware, highly organised and ambitious, who enjoys building relationships and thrives within a fast-paced distribution or supply chain environment.
The ideal candidate will likely have:
- Previous experience within purchasing, buying, stock control or supply chain
- Experience within electrical distribution, cables, lighting, industrial products or related sectors would be highly advantageous
- Exposure to import purchasing, international suppliers or container shipments would be highly beneficial
- Strong negotiation and communication skills
- Good understanding of supplier management and stock forecasting
- Confidence using spreadsheets, ERP systems and purchasing software
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- A proactive and hands-on attitude
- The ability to work effectively within a growing business environment
- A genuine desire to develop into a more senior purchasing or supply chain leadership role over time
- Monday to Friday - 8am to 5pm
- Competitive salary depending on experience
- Bonus scheme
- Pension
- Holidays
- Genuine long-term career progression
- Opportunity to help shape and improve purchasing operations within a growing business
- Supportive and commercially driven leadership team
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