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 Exeter
Situated in Devon, Exeter is a historic city on the River Exe. It is known as being one of the most profitable locations to base a business, meaning there are many opportunities for those seeking Purchasing Assistant roles.
People have been living in this area for thousands of years - and the easily navigable river meant that there was a thriving trade with the Mediterranean as far back as 250 BC.
During the Middle Ages, Exeter had one of the largest markets in the south-west and it was also known for its annual fairs, which continued until the 16th century.
At the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, Exeter's industry was mainly based on agricultural products. Water power was used to some degree, but the city was too far from a source of coal to make the most of steam power.
The development of the canal network did, however, help to boost Exeter's prominence, and the Bristol and Exeter Railway opened in 1844, further building the local economy.
Today, Exeter is a bustling city with plenty of retail space, particularly in the Princesshay Shopping Centre. It is also home to a number of big employers, with a several companies employing 1,000 people or more - such as British Telecom, EDF and Flybe.
In 2004, the Met Office relocated to Exeter and this organisation is now one of the largest employers in the region, along with Devon County Council and the University of Exeter. Other companies with a significant presence include Tesco, the Highways Agency and Alcoa Howmet.
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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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