Job Title: Purchaser
Salary: Up to £40,000 DOE
Reporting To: Managing Director

Role Overview

The Purchaser is responsible for managing stock levels, purchasing activities, and supplier performance to support efficient business operations. The role focuses on maintaining a lean, just-in-time inventory system while ensuring materials and goods are always available when required.

Key Responsibilities1. Stock & Inventory Management

a. Stock Management

• Implement and maintain improved stock control processes to support a lean, just-in-time inventory model.
• Use the stock control system to ensure purchase orders are raised proactively, avoiding stock shortages.
• Collaborate with the Production Planner and Managing Director to develop annual usage forecasts, particularly for long lead-time items.

b. Purchasing

• Raise and manage purchase orders for:
  
  • Production stock items
  • Office stationery
  • One-off purchases
• Take ownership of delivery schedules to ensure goods arrive on time, in full, and to the correct specification.
• Maintain accurate purchase order data within the business system, ensuring alignment with goods received records.
• Work closely with the Warehouse & Shipping Manager to ensure accurate booking-in of goods.
• Provide a monthly report on outstanding purchase orders, including values and expected delivery dates.
• Proactively identify opportunities to reduce material costs through supplier negotiation or alternative sourcing.

c. Non-Conformity Management

• Report and manage non-conforming goods with suppliers, ensuring credits or replacements are issued.
• Monitor and track supplier performance using key metrics such as quality (defects), delivery performance, and cost.

2. Data Management

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date supplier information within the system.
• Work with the Technical team to ensure consistency and accuracy of part numbers and product descriptions.

Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in a purchasing or procurement role
• Excellent administrative experience with strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong organisational and data management skills
• Ability to manage supplier relationships effectively
• Experience with stock control or ERP systems
• Good communication and negotiation skills