About this role
This is an entry level job, therefore full training will be provided, once fully trained you will be able to:
The Assistant Buyer is an ambassador of our vision and values and demonstrates a professional, consistent approach to all supplier and internal stakeholder interactions.
Purchasing Operations & MRP
• Prepare and raise purchase orders (POs) and order schedules in line with MRP requirements for raw materials.
• Support the Buyer with scheduling of key materials and packaging components and ordering through MRP.
• Take ownership of the customer-supplied MRP, ensuring accuracy and timely updates.
• Liaise directly with customers regarding customer-supplied materials, ensuring these materials are approved and delivered in time for production.
• Liaise with the Buyer/Senior Buyer and internal teams (Planning, Sales, Warehouse, Operations) regarding MRP requirements and supply status.
Inbox, Order Confirmations & System Accuracy
• Proactively manage the purchasing inbox, confirm POs, and manage price or material changes, challenging these where required.
• Use accurate confirmation statuses on the Solvitt system to reflect each stage of the order process and ensure the Planning team has the most up-to-date information.
• Take ownership of the Outstanding Orders report; chase unconfirmed POs with suppliers and/or the Warehouse team.
• Review supplier order trackers, ensure information is reflected accurately in the system, and challenge any delays.
Supplier Performance & OTIF
• Solely manage OTIF reporting across the top 30 supply chain, utilising LD codes to capture reasons for delay.
• Assist suppliers to achieve a minimum OTIF of 94.5% and communicate the 96.5% target; raise service-provider non-conformances where scores fall below 94.5%.
• Gather supplier data and produce performance dashboards; contribute to a performance-measured supply chain showing continuous improvement.
Data, Codes & Root-Cause Capture
• Utilise PPV codes and LD codes to capture accurate information relating to POs (e.g., reasons for delays or price increases); ensure any price increase is supported by appropriate evidence.
Indirect Procurement & Projects
• Place orders for indirect goods and liaise with stakeholders across the business on indirect projects and requirements.
• Support the Senior Buyer with the scope and execution of indirect projects.
• Raise indirect POs through the MRP system up to £10,000 following the appropriate Delegation of Authority (DOA) process; discuss any indirect orders above this value with the Senior Buyer prior to raising.
Financials & Invoicing
• Manage invoice queries with the Accounts team and suppliers; contact suppliers to resolve price, quality, delivery, or invoice issues as needed.
• Forward any invoices sent to the Purchasing team to Accounts Payable for processing.
Consumables Management
• Own the consumables purchasing process and support the Senior Buyer in driving efficiencies in this area.
Quality & Non-Conformances
• Support the Quality team in raising and sending non-conformances (materials or packaging) to the supply chain and track supplier responses.
Sourcing & Re-sourcing
• Source and re-source materials from the trusted supply base as required to ensure continuity of supply and value for money.
• During the sourcing process ensure that any new suppliers follow the Bee Health supplier approval process.
Reporting, Communication & Continuous Improvement
• Track and report on cost-saving activities; support procurement cost-down initiatives.
• Prepare reports and updates; monitor and advise on issues that present risk or opportunity to the organisation.
• Act as an interface between suppliers and relevant departments on purchasing processes, new projects, and activities; communicate any supply problems that may impact the business to the Purchasing Manager.
• Work closely with Sales and Planning for continuous improvement and wider business benefits.
Compliance, Ethics, Health & Safety
• Ensure compliance with company guidelines, purchasing policies and procedures—including the UK Anti-Bribery Act—during supplier negotiations and contract award processes.
• Adhere to health, safety, and environmental policies and procedures to ensure the wellbeing of self, staff, and visitors.
• Support the development of the Purchasing Team ESG process including implementation of a scoring matrix and how this process is implemented during the supplier on boarding process and keeping the information up to date.
Person specification
Knowledge & Skills
• Strong verbal communication; able to present data clearly.
• Critical thinker and problem solver; logical and able to plan ahead.
• Builds relationships quickly; exceptional interpersonal skills to resolve complex issues, fostering strong relationships with both internal stakeholders and suppliers.
• Highly motivated self-starter; able to work on own initiative, occasionally remote from the team.
• Excellent computer skills (MS Office & Excel). ERP experience preferred but not essential.
• Experience in data analytics; ownership of data integrity and accuracy.
• Strong time-management and organisational skills.
Experience / Technical Skills
• Effective organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and, where appropriate, delegate.
• Analytical and problem-solving capability; able to advise on suitable solutions to meet organisational needs.
• Effective verbal and written communication; confident presenter.
• Understanding of equality of opportunity and diversity.
• Ability to handle difficult/sensitive situations professionally.
• Ability to manage, motivate, and develop people.
• Resilient under pressure; able to meet a varied, time-critical workload.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams on indirect projects.
• Knowledge of when to prioritise business-critical objectives to prevent downtime in production.
Office Based: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
Salary: Up to £29,000 depending on experience
Bonus: 5% annual bonus