Purchasing Administrator

The Purchasing Administrator will be primarily responsible for the management, control, and supply of Packaging & Ingredients to support the Production Plan, as well as implementing pricing & terms as agreed with Suppliers. This role is ideal for a recent graduate looking to enhance their skills and further their career in Purchasing/Procurement. You will have the opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment, where no two days are the same. You will work on various projects, gaining insight into all aspects of our business. The successful candidate will have opportunities to specialise in categories based on their strengths and interests, ranging from purchasing ingredients and involvement in new product development to purchasing packaging items and contributing to graphic sign-off.

Our Purchasing team is central to our business. They ensure the procurement of high-quality products for our customers while complying with all legislative and regulatory requirements for food processing. They purchase in alignment with the core principles of O'Brien Fine Foods, which are continually reviewed for effectiveness and improvement. Our goal is to empower staff to take ownership of their roles and to work with suppliers who share our principles of delivering quality products cost-effectively.

1. Develop knowledge within the Material Category by engaging with Suppliers to understand material sources and manufacturing methods, and understanding material requirements within site processes.
2. Collaborate with Technical, NPD & Finance teams on New Product setup, ensuring data accuracy and linkage to relevant planning and purchasing tools.
3. Manage procurement activities for Packaging & Ingredients, focusing on quality, innovation, price, and legislative compliance.
4. Participate in ongoing training and development programs.
5. Align supply and demand, oversee material replenishment, and monitor supplier performance.
6. Support the Purchasing Manager in managing departmental and indirect budgets.
7. Maintain effective supplier management, including forecasting, relationship development, supply chain management, and administrative tasks such as PO issuance and invoice resolution.
8. Manage material supply according to business rules and maintain 'Internal' Service Level KPIs for the supply chain.
9. Ensure accurate data flow from Bill of Materials to production scheduling and purchasing systems.
10. Manage obsolescence by identifying high-risk materials and controlling their supply.
11. Provide data to Finance for timely Gross Margin and KPI reporting.
12. Work closely with Supply Chain and other Departments to resolve disputes and claims with vendors and suppliers.
13. Participate in cost reduction projects and maintain the Supplier Scorecard.
14. Ensure full participation in company policies and maintain BOM data.
15. Collaborate with IT Systems Developers and suggest improvements to systems and processes.
16. Be flexible to cover roles such as Planning and Dispatch, including shift and weekend work.

The ideal candidate will have robust experience and knowledge in:

• Ingredients and/or Packaging (advantageous)
• Qualification in Procurement, Supply Chain, or Food Science (advantageous)
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
• Strong self-discipline and structured approach
• Problem-solving skills
• Strong numerical skills for data analysis
• Ability to identify and plan improvements meticulously
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite
• Flexibility, adaptability, and a positive attitude towards change
• Excellent communication facilitating effective top-down and bottom-up communication

Experience in FMCG sector roles is advantageous. A qualification in Procurement, Supply Chain, or Food Science is desirable. Fluency in English, high attention to detail, and strong organizational skills are essential. Willingness to learn is also important.

• Hybrid working
• Flexible hours
• Free parking
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee shop
• Subsidised meals
• Paid volunteering day
• Bike to work scheme
• Further education programs
• Career development opportunities
• Employee events
• A supportive team environment