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 Halifax
A minister town in West Yorkshire, located to the south west of Bradford, Halifax is a good choice for those seeking Purchasing Assistant opportunities.
From the 15th century, the town was an important location for the manufacture of wool and cloth. The textile industry continued to thrive through the 19th century, although most of the wealth that came to the town during this period was derived from cotton instead of wool.
In 1853, a building and investment society was formed in the city, which would later become known as the Halifax bank. It's now part of the Lloyds Banking Group and operates mainly from London.
Halifax has also been known for its confectionary production since the late 1890s when John Mackintosh and his wife started selling toffee from a shop in the town centre.
The business quickly expanded and resulted in a number of brands that are still popular today, such as Rolo, Toffee Crisp and Quality Street. Now owned by Nestle, which is based in York, a factory continues to operate in Halifax, churning out millions of tasty treats every year.
Today, the town's economy is mainly based in the retail and service sectors. A number of large business parks have been developed in the region - such as Dean Clough, which is located on the site of what was once the world's largest carpet factory. It provides workspace for SMEs and larger organisations ranging from IT and media companies, as well as financial services and healthcare facilities.
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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