Purchasing Administrator

Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire | Hybrid Working Available

Working Pattern: Full-time
Contract: Fixed-term maternity cover (approximately 9–12 months)

About the Opportunity

We are currently recruiting for a Purchasing Administrator to join an established Purchasing team based in Stoke-on-Trent. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with previous purchasing experience who enjoys working in a varied, fast-paced administrative role, supporting the smooth running of purchasing activities across the business.

Working as part of a small team, you will be responsible for processing purchase orders, monitoring supplier deliveries and ensuring purchasing records are accurately maintained. You will also support the wider team with supplier pricing, sourcing and general purchasing administration.

Hybrid working is available.

Key Responsibilities

• Creating, issuing and amending purchase orders, ensuring all details are accurate and processed efficiently.

• Handling purchase order queries from suppliers and internal departments.

• Monitoring and expediting outstanding orders to ensure agreed delivery dates are met.

• Processing supplier order confirmations and updating delivery dates on internal systems.

• Communicating delivery changes and updates to buyers and project teams.

• Identifying opportunities to negotiate improved pricing and reduce costs to the business.

• Supporting supplier sourcing activities, working with approved and preferred suppliers.

• Assisting with obtaining estimates and pricing information to support project tenders and new business opportunities.

• Providing general purchasing and administrative support to the wider department.

About You

• Previous experience working within a purchasing or procurement role is essential.

• Confident using Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Excel and Teams.

• Experience using purchase order systems, ideally MS Dynamics NAV, Business Central or similar, would be advantageous.

• Excellent communication skills, with a confident and professional telephone manner.

• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.

• Accurate and detail-focused, particularly when processing orders and maintaining records.

• A collaborative approach, with the ability to build positive working relationships with suppliers and internal teams.

• A proactive attitude and willingness to support the wider purchasing function.

What's on Offer?

• Competitive salary.

• Hybrid working available.

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays.

• Pension scheme.

• Life assurance.

• Private healthcare.

• Lifestyle screening.

• Salary sacrifice programme.

• Mental health assistance programme.

• Cycle to work scheme.

• Green car scheme.

• Support with professional development and relevant membership fees.

Please note: This is a fixed-term maternity cover contract anticipated to last approximately 9–12 months, although the duration may vary depending on the substantive postholder's return-to-work date.

Appointments Personnel is acting as an employment business in relation to this vacancy.