Assistant Buyer

Title: Assistant Buyer | Location: Romford | £35,000 - £38,000 DOE
Work Pattern: Hybrid (3 days office, 2 days from home)

You must be a car driver for this opportunity due to the location of the warehouse. Please do not apply if you are reliant on public transport. Please ensure your location is clearly written on your CV.

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated Assistant Buyer to join our procurement team, supporting operations across four manufacturing sites and third-party manufacturing suppliers. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a positive, can-do attitude who is looking to develop their career in purchasing while making a meaningful contribution to our procurement activities.

Key Responsibilities

Data Management & Administration

Maintain ERP data systems (JD Edwards) including price updates, supplier setup, and packaging/ingredient code management

Provide tender management assistance to support strategic sourcing initiatives

Manage and investigate invoice queries to ensure accurate processing

Compile, analyze, and present data reports to support decision-making

Strategic Sourcing Support

Assist with strategic sourcing of packaging, ingredients, and ad-hoc projects

Research and analyse commodity markets, providing regular market intelligence reports

Contribute to procurement budget development processes

Research global markets to identify new suppliers for current and future business requirements

New Product Development & Innovation

Support packaging and ingredient NPD (New Product Development) projects

Coordinate packaging and ingredient sample requests across the team

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions

What We're Looking For

Essential Personal Qualities

Clear communication skills at all organizational levels
Self-motivated with natural drive and initiative
Positive, can-do attitude with enthusiasm for challenges
Lateral thinking ability - comfortable thinking outside the box
Strong multitasking capabilities
Highly organized with excellent attention to detail
Effective time management skills
Genuine desire to develop and progress within purchasing

Qualifications & Experience

Strong IT skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office suite
Project management experience
Excellent numerical and analytical abilities
GCSE-level education in Mathematics and English (minimum requirement)
Further education qualifications would be advantageous

Company Benefits:

- Holidays: 25 days (increasing to 28 days with service).
- Additional Leave: Up to 10 extra days for long service milestones.
- Pension: Group personal pension with 4% company contribution.
- Life Cover: 3 x salary paid to your nominated beneficiary.
- Maternity Pay: Occupational maternity pay plus SMP.
- Accident Cover: Disability compensation payment.
- Health & Wellbeing: BUPA & BUPA cash plan (individual or family).
- Recognition: Employee Star Award.
- Lunches & Drinks: Free lunch every day (valued at £700) + free drinks.
- Social: Heavily subsidised sports & social events + annual company BBQ.
- Annual Flu Vaccination: Provided for all employees.

Additional Notes:

Car Driver Required: The office is not accessible via public transport; therefore, a valid driving license and access to a car is essential.

Please mention your location in your CV. Applications without location details may experience delays in processing.

Eligibility: Only applicants with UK residency and full visa status will be considered. Applications from those outside of the UK will not be shortlisted. If you plan to relocate, please mention this in your CV or cover letter