Buyer Assistant

Company overview
We are a supplement supplier based in Ashford, Kent. We have been proudly producing nutritional food products and food supplements since 2011. We are a highly accredited, successful manufacturing company, holding BRC - AA grade and NSF, GMP certification.
We have been thriving off the back of fantastic growth in the sector, with our high growth predicted to continue while we also expand into new markets.
Job Overview
The role of Junior Buyer will be to support our Supply chain and effectively manage the supply of key materials ahead of manufacture. As a key point of contact for suppliers, you will build strong working relationships with suppliers locally and globally, ensuringthe needs of the company are met in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Core Competencies
- Negotiate with suppliers to agree prices, quantities and lead times
- Monitor stock levels, ensuring all purchase orders are placed and delivered in a timely manner
- Build strong relationships with key suppliers

**Responsibilities**:

- Identify potential bottlenecks/shortages, taking appropriate action to minimise the impact on the customer
- Liaise with suppliers globally, including China
- Ensure suppliers maintain/exceed the standards we set. Reviewing our suppliers and resourcing where necessary to improve service, lead time and costs.
- Work closely with the Quality and Manufacturing teams to ensure products are fit for purpose, improving quality where necessary
- Review Technical Specifications with the Quality team to guarantee quality for the product and it's compatibility with our manufacturing lines
- Ensuring the correct technical criteria is met when approaching new suppliers. Example; dimension of pots to order correct sized labels in line with customer brief.
- Prepared to learn all technical aspects of the components used within the company
- Analysing facts and figures to build detailed product profit models
- A keen problem solver and positive attitude
- Any other reasonable duties
Additional Role Requirements
- Previous experience of working within the Supply Chain environment
- Good negotiation skills, including good attention to detail
- Strong IT skills, in particular excel (Office 365 software)
- Proactive, attention to detail and good communication skills