Purchasing Assistant

Purchasing Assistant

Location: Southampton, Hampshire
Salary: £28,500
Contract: 12-month Fixed Term Contract
Working Pattern: Full-time, onsite

About the Company

We are a high-tech manufacturing company based in Southampton, designing and producing advanced laser-based technology used across a wide range of industrial applications. Our products are supplied to customers globally, and our UK operation plays a key role within a well-established international engineering group. The environment is fast-paced, technical and collaborative, offering exposure to modern manufacturing and supply chain operations.

The Role

Reporting to the Senior Buyer, this role provides hands-on support to the purchasing function and the wider supply chain team. It is a varied position offering excellent exposure to procurement, inventory management and supplier coordination within a manufacturing environment. This role would suit someone with some purchasing experience or someone looking to develop a career in supply chain and procurement.

Key Responsibilities

• Generate and issue inventory purchase orders in line with MRP demand and commodity strategies
• Raise non-production purchase orders and obtain order acknowledgements
• Expedite late deliveries and maintain accurate delivery dates within the MRP system
• Liaise with internal stakeholders on the status of open non-production purchase orders
• Manage Kanban systems, stock replenishment and invoice reconciliation
• Work with internal teams and suppliers to resolve delivery and invoice queries
• Support cost, lead-time and payment term negotiations
• Assist with supplier change projects (ECOs and ECRs)
• Support new product development and introduction activities
• Produce monthly and quarterly KPI reports, including supplier spend and performance data
• Collect, maintain and manage supplier compliance data
• Input and maintain accurate master data within the ERP system
• Complete monthly credit card reconciliation
• Manage stock control and purchasing for communal areas and meeting rooms, including stationery

Skills & Experience

• Previous purchasing experience is beneficial but not essential
• Experience in an office-based role; exposure to manufacturing environments is an advantage
• Strong IT skills, particularly MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Teams
• Confident with numerical data and accurate data handling

Personal Attributes

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Comfortable working in a dynamic environment with changing priorities
• Calm, professional and respectful when working under pressure
• Positive, proactive attitude with a willingness to learn and develop

This is a great opportunity to gain valuable experience within a high-tech manufacturing supply chain, working alongside experienced professionals in a supportive and technically interesting environment.