Purchasing Assistant

Reed is working with a fantastic Client, based in Yatton, North Somerset. Recruiting for a Stock Controller on a full time, permanent basis.

You will be office based within this role, and NOT warehouse/goods in.

Looking for: Strong manufacturing background, previous inventory /material planning experience is essential and strong analysing skills.

This role involves managing approximately 2000 stock lines to ensure product availability at the required service level. The successful candidate will be responsible for buying from global, European, and UK suppliers, overseeing in-house produced items, and ensuring a smooth introduction of new products.

This role is crucial for the successful introduction of new products and requires a candidate with a strong system knowledge and familiarity with terms such as BOM, ROP, EOQ, and lead time.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Manage and monitor stock levels to ensure a steady supply of goods to meet customer demand while minimizing holding costs.
• Use stock replenishing systems to order new stock when inventory reaches predetermined levels, analysing demand and production requirements to ensure timely availability of products.
• Analyse the causes of stockouts, assess their impact, and plan accordingly.
• Conduct regular system-based stock counts to verify inventory accuracy, investigate discrepancies, and reconcile them.
• Communicate with suppliers to track orders, confirm delivery dates, resolve discrepancies, expedite urgent orders, and take proactive measures to resolve stock-related issues.
• Maintain accurate item records in the ERP system, ensuring correct costing and sales pricing.
• Manage supplier relationships, monitor performance, identify underperformance, and seek continuous improvements.
• Investigate and resolve invoice queries and handle quality-related customer returns, following correct return and credit processes.
• Work closely with forwarding agents and haulier companies to ensure smooth operations.
• Track slow-moving, non-moving, and aged stock; analyse underlying causes and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Prioritise daily system reports and take required actions to solve any stock-related issues.
• Collaborate with sales, production, and planning teams to manage order fulfilment and meet business goals.
• Introduce new products successfully, set up new items in the database, and collaborate closely with the R&D department on the approval process to ensure stock availability for product launches.
• Identify and improve inefficient processes continuously.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Proven experience in purchasing or inventory management or a similar role.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in using ERP systems.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work effectively with multiple teams including sales, production, and R&D.
• Experience in managing supplier relationships and understanding of supply chain mechanics.
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills.

Working Hours:

Monday - Thursday - 8.30am - 5.00pm (45 mins break)

Friday - 8.30am - 4.00pm (hour break)

This role is perfect for Candidates based in the following areas:

Weston-super-Mare, Portishead, Clevedon, Nailsea, Backwell, Cheddar, Bridgwater and surrounding areas.

Ideally you will be a driver due to the location, unless you live close by, but there is free-parking onsite or a train station a short walk away.