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 Derbyshire
Situated in the East Midlands, Derbyshire is a county that shares a border with Greater Manchester, as well as Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire and Leicestershire.
Much of the Peak District is located within Derbyshire and just some of the towns in the region include Derby and Chesterfield, meaning there are many opportunities for those seeking Purchasing Assistant positions.
For most of its history, Derbyshire's economy has been based on agriculture, while the mining of natural resources such as coal, iron, lead and limestone were of particular importance during the Industrial Revolution. Of these, only the limestone quarries are still in operation.
The chocolate company Thorntons was established near Alfreton in 1911 - its headquarters are still based there today.
After the second world war, the first diesel-electric mainline passenger train was unveiled at the Locomotive Works in Derby and the British Rail Research Division was opened in 1964 with an aim to improve the country's train network. This eventually became the DeltaRail Group, which currently provides software and other technology for signalling and control systems.
JBC-Power Systems manufactures engines in the south of the county, Buxton Water is bottled here and Bombardier Transportation builds the rolling stock for the London Underground network.
Other companies with manufacturing facilities or an otherwise large presence include Rolls-Royce, Toyota and Trebor Bassets.
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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