Purchasing AssistantDepartment
Purchasing
Reports To
Purchasing Manager / Operations Manager
Location
Company Headquarters
Job Type
Full-Time, Permanent
About the Role
We are looking for a highly organised and proactive Purchasing Assistant to support our purchasing function across DoughGirl and The Chuckling Cheese Company. This role is essential in ensuring the timely ordering of ingredients, packaging, consumables and other business supplies to keep production and operations running smoothly.
The ideal candidate will have excellent attention to detail, strong administrative skills and the ability to build positive relationships with suppliers while working closely with multiple departments across the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Raise purchase orders accurately and in a timely manner.
- Monitor stock levels and assist with forecasting purchasing requirements.
- Place orders for ingredients, packaging, consumables and office supplies.
- Liaise with suppliers regarding pricing, lead times, availability and deliveries.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
- Monitor supplier performance and report any issues.
- Ensure purchasing records are accurate and up to date.
- Update product costs and supplier information within company systems.
- Work closely with Production, Warehouse, Technical, Finance and Customer Service teams to ensure stock availability.
- Resolve delivery shortages, damaged goods and invoice discrepancies.
- Assist in sourcing new suppliers and negotiating the best value for the business.
- Help identify opportunities to reduce costs without compromising quality.
- Support stock takes where required.
- Ensure purchasing activities comply with company policies and food safety standards.
- Carry out general administrative duties to support the purchasing department.
Skills & Experience RequiredEssential
- Previous administrative or purchasing experience.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Confident using Microsoft Excel, Outlook and other Microsoft Office applications.
- Good numerical skills.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to prioritise workload in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Desirable
- Previous experience within food manufacturing or FMCG.
- Experience using ERP or stock management systems.
- Understanding of inventory management and purchasing processes.
Personal Attributes
- Reliable and dependable.
- Highly organised.
- Positive attitude with a willingness to learn.
- Calm under pressure.
- Commercially aware.
- Solution-focused.
- Proactive and able to use initiative.
- Professional with excellent attention to detail.
Our Core ValuesBe Accountable
Take responsibility for your work.
Be Better
Keep learning, there's always room for improvement.
Be Collaborative
Work together, we are one team!
Be Proud
Put the work in and be proud of your achievements!
Be Proactive
Stay curious and apply your initiative to be efficient within your role.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Company pension.
- Employee discount across our brands.
- Ongoing training and development opportunities.
- Career progression within a growing business.
- Friendly and supportive team environment.
- 4 day working week
Success in This Role
A successful Purchasing Assistant will:
- Maintain excellent stock availability while minimising waste.
- Develop strong relationships with suppliers.
- Ensure purchase orders are accurate and completed on time.
- Support efficient production through effective purchasing.
- Help the business achieve cost savings without compromising quality or service.
- Demonstrate our company values every day in the way they work and support their colleagues.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: £13.50-£15.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Casual dress
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
