Purchasing Assistant jobs
Helping to keep company expenditure to an absolute minimum whilst ensuring delivery of orders on time are the main tasks of the purchasing assistant. As the name suggests, they might be working alongside purchasing managers or heads of procurement, and might be streamed into specific parts of the procurement operation, for example dealing with certain countries or certain materials, depending upon their expertise.
The role will involve a good deal of administration work too, as distinct from the work done by the more supplier-facing buyers. The purchasing assistant will usually need to collect the data on procurement quite regularly in order to keep on top of the reporting effort and maintain complete control over budgets and forecasts.
There could be some contact with suppliers in the job, perhaps chasing up invoices or keeping in communication to ensure things are running smoothly and that no issues threaten to jeopardise the constant supply should it be required by the employer.
The purchasing assistant is an important role in a procurement department, dealing with the paperwork and other admin work in order to allow the buyers to go about their work more efficiently.
The skills required
The buyers and purchasing management will be relying on the purchasing assistant to maintain a smoothly running procurement department, so independent-minded people who are able to work on their own initiative will be highly valued. They will need to understand the procurement process, and any specific knowledge of the sector that the position is in will certainly help, as it will increase the likelihood of awareness of specific documents and legal aspects of it.
The purchasing assistant may well have several or tens of buyers to process the work of, so they should be excellent at juggling many different sets of figures and lines of communication at once. The ability to collect and present information accurately will depend upon the purchasing assistant’s ability to communicate effectively, making this skill key to potential candidates.
Purchasing Assistant Jobs in Basingstoke
Situated in north-east Hampshire, less than 50 miles from London and just 16 miles from Reading, Basingstoke is a lovely town that has expanded significantly since the end of the 20th century. Today, it offers a variety of possibilities for those seeking Purchasing Assistant vacancies.
With its beginnings as a Saxon village, Basingstoke was a fairly large settlement at the time of the Domesday Book, with a population of around 200, three water-powered flour mills and a weekly market.
By the 13th century, this population had nearly tripled and the town was granted a charter in 1257 - at the time, its economy mainly relied on the production of wool and cloth.
The railway arrived in Basingstoke in 1839, simplifying transport and trade between the town and London, as well as offering connections the following year to Winchester and Southampton.
Later in the 19th century, Thomas Burberry set up his first shop in Basingstoke, and his brand grew to become a household name - one which continues to be known for its luxury fashion and tartan pattern, although the company is now headquartered in London.
These days, Basingstoke is an economic hub and home to the UK headquarters of a number of large financial, insurance and technology companies - including Motorola, Sony Professional Solutions, Sun Life, The Automobile Association and ST Ericsson. Meanwhile, pharmaceuticals facilities are operated by the likes of Mercona, Valeant, Steris, Shire and Biomerieux.
Popular locations
Cast UK’s procurement opportunities
Cast UK was founded by logistics, procurement and supply chain specialists, and our consultants are all from these backgrounds too, so we have in-depth knowledge of what employers and candidates are looking for. Employers come to us to find candidates because they’re confident that we’ll help them find the most appropriate managers and executives.
Cast UK have jobs all over the UK, so we are well placed to find you work in logistics, procurement or supply chain wherever you are located or plan to locate. If you’re moving house, please see if there are any positions available in the area you’re moving to; and if you’re simply looking for more fulfilment in your working life, there could be an employer looking for the skills you have.
When we have your details, we’ll be able to start matching you with positions as soon as they arise, so do get in touch if you’re looking for a job in procurement.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Purchasing Assistant for your business or find you a job as a Purchasing Assistant then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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