Job Description:

Assistant Purchasing Manager

£32,000 - £40,000 DOE + Bonus + Benefits + Career Progression

Looking for a genuine opportunity to progress your purchasing career within a fast-growing and highly ambitious electrical distribution business?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Purchasing Manager to join a well-established and expanding organisation operating within the electrical distribution and cable supply sector.

This is a fantastic opportunity for somebody already working within purchasing, stock control, supply chain or buying who is looking to step into a broader and more commercially influential role with genuine long-term progression.

Working closely with senior leadership and the Purchasing Manager, you will play a key role supporting purchasing strategy, supplier management, stock profiling, forecasting, international buying and supply chain operations across a wide range of electrical products and accessories.

The Role

The Assistant Purchasing Manager will support the day-to-day management of purchasing and supply chain activities, helping ensure product availability, strong supplier performance and commercial competitiveness across the business.

Key responsibilities are likely to include:

• Supporting purchasing activities across electrical cable and associated product ranges
• Building and maintaining strong supplier and manufacturer relationships both within the UK and internationally
• Assisting with international buying activities and overseas supplier communication
• Managing and monitoring inbound shipments, container schedules and delivery timelines
• Processing import documentation and liaising with freight forwarders, shipping agents and logistics providers
• Supporting supplier negotiations around pricing, rebates, payment terms and supply agreements
• Supporting stock forecasting and demand planning in collaboration with sales teams
• Monitoring stock profiles, stock rotation and inventory performance
• Assisting with purchasing strategy and continuous improvement initiatives
• Supporting improvements to purchasing systems, processes and reporting
• Processing supplier orders and monitoring supplier performance and lead times
• Monitoring market trends, supplier pricing movements and product availability
• Producing reports, KPI data and purchasing analysis for senior management
• Supporting product conformity, compliance and supplier quality standards
• Working collaboratively with internal departments including sales, operations and logistics
• Helping ensure strong supplier communication and service levels are maintained

The Ideal Person

We are looking for somebody commercially aware, highly organised and ambitious, who enjoys building relationships and thrives within a fast-paced distribution or supply chain environment.

The ideal candidate will likely have:

• Previous experience within purchasing, buying, stock control or supply chain
• Experience within electrical distribution, cables, lighting, industrial products or related sectors would be highly advantageous
• Exposure to import purchasing, international suppliers or container shipments would be highly beneficial
• Strong negotiation and communication skills
• Good understanding of supplier management and stock forecasting
• Confidence using spreadsheets, ERP systems and purchasing software
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• A proactive and hands-on attitude
• The ability to work effectively within a growing business environment
• A genuine desire to develop into a more senior purchasing or supply chain leadership role over time

What's on Offer

• Monday to Friday - 8am to 5pm
• Competitive salary depending on experience
• Bonus scheme
• Pension
• Holidays
• Genuine long-term career progression
• Opportunity to help shape and improve purchasing operations within a growing business
• Supportive and commercially driven leadership team

This is an excellent opportunity for somebody looking to build a long-term career within purchasing and supply chain management whilst gaining exposure to strategic buying, international procurement, supplier management and commercial operations within a successful and expanding electrical distribution business.