Purchasing Assistant

This company is a volume importer based in Manchester, a leading supplier of stationery and children's craft items with over 30 years experience supplying leading supermarkets and multiple retailers. As seen in many of the largest retail grocers, this company also specialises in designing its own products under its brand name 'Grafix'. They have success throughout the UK and Europe and have offices across the world.

As Purchasing Assistant, you are part of the Specials Purchasing Team. Your position will involve dealing with all aspects of the role from requesting samples, negotiating payment and placing purchase orders, right through to shipment of goods.

- Being organised and demonstrating administrative skills.
- Regular communication required with supplier when sourcing products from the Far East to maintain/increase quality and margin. Good communication skills are a must.
- Opening new supplier / customers accounts as well as developing existing accounts.
- Be creative with the customer to find new products and expand on existing ranges.
- Using your own initiative and having a pro-active approach in liaising with the design team to create specific artwork and packaging concepts.
- Putting together PowerPoint and Excel documents as needed for presentations/quotations and product specifications required by the customer.
- Daily monitoring of stock levels and forecast plans to maximise cash flow and minimise warehouse costs with an analytical approach.
- Up to date product knowledge and to be commercially aware with Quality Control to ensure Audits/Inspections are carried out and products are fit for use.
- Organisation when placing purchase orders, chasing and monitoring shipments until delivered, and on time delivery, in order to hit monthly targets and customer required dates.
- Potential opportunity to attend trade shows in the Far East and Europe
- Adapting to change, working as part of a team to a fast pace and working under pressure.

Key Skills:

- The ability to negotiate prices and contracts
- Strong team working skills
- Excellent communication skills;
- A confident and determined approach;
- A high degree of self-motivation and drive;
- The ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
- Good PowerPoint and Excel skills