Job Description:

Assistant Buyer

Location: Newton Aycliffe
Benefits: Training & development, career progression, pension and additional company benefits

The Company:

Theo James Recruitment is working with an established manufacturing business in Newton Aycliffe to recruit an Assistant Buyer.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a well-established organisation with a strong manufacturing presence and a structured purchasing function. The business is looking for someone at the earlier stages of their procurement career who wants genuine exposure to purchasing, suppliers, projects and the wider manufacturing environment.

Working Hours:

Full-time, permanent – standard plant working hours.

Benefits:

• Structured training and ongoing professional development
• Clear opportunity to progress within procurement
• Exposure to an established manufacturing purchasing function
• Involvement in supplier management and live projects
• Pension and company benefits
• Support from experienced Buyers and purchasing professionals

Job Description:

As Assistant Buyer, you will work closely with the Commodity Lead Buyer and wider purchasing team, supporting day-to-day procurement activities across the business.

The Assistant Buyer will help ensure materials and components are purchased competitively while meeting quality, cost and delivery requirements.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Raising and maintaining purchase orders and supplier information.
• Monitoring supplier performance and supporting improvement activities.
• Working with internal departments to ensure purchasing processes are followed.
• Supporting the maintenance of the approved supplier list.
• Assisting project teams with new product and project requirements.
• Monitoring project costs and identifying key cost drivers.
• Supporting cost-reduction and continuous improvement projects.
• Communicating targets and requirements to suppliers.
• Ensuring purchasing systems and records remain accurate.
• Working within established purchasing and quality procedures.

The successful Assistant Buyer will gradually take greater ownership of purchasing activities as their knowledge and confidence develop.

Skills & Experience:

We’re looking for an Assistant Buyer who is organised, commercially minded and keen to build a long-term career in procurement.

You should have:

• Strong numerical and analytical skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• A proactive, flexible and team-focused approach.
• Minimum four GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above, including Maths and English.
• An interest in purchasing, supply chain, manufacturing or wider business operations.

Previous purchasing experience would be beneficial, but candidates with relevant transferable skills and a genuine desire to develop within procurement are also encouraged to apply.

Why Should You Apply?

This Assistant Buyer opportunity is ideal for someone looking to establish themselves within procurement and learn from an experienced purchasing team.

Rather than stepping into a role where you’re expected to know everything from day one, you’ll receive exposure to supplier management, cost reduction, project purchasing and cross-functional working.

If you’re ambitious, commercially curious and looking for an Assistant Buyer position where you can build genuine procurement experience and progress your career, this could be an excellent next step.

Work Location: In person