Supply Chain Assistant

The Supply Chain Assistant is a supporting role within the Supply Chain Management Team, handling the transactional purchase of goods and services. 

The purpose of the role is to make cost-effective purchases and ensure we maintain a fully stocked inventory to meet the business operations. 

The role of the Supply Chain Assistant requires a proactive individual who will continually look for improvement whilst ensuring compliance with policies, procedures and service levels. The Supply Chain Assistant’s main purpose is to provide day-to-day transactional purchasing support.

Principal Accountabilities

• Raising daily purchase orders using the company's eProcurement system (EFACS).
• Expediting and management of supplier deliveries through direct communications. 
• Provide a purchasing support service to the business in accordance with the company’s procurement policies and procedures. 
• Maximise the effectiveness and efficiency of the Supply Chain Function in terms of the purchasing support service activities. 
• Monitoring stock levels and identifying purchasing needs. 
• Comparing and evaluating offers from suppliers and agreeing on prices. 
• Agreeing contract terms such as payment terms. 
• Provide day-to-day transactional support service to the business community. 
• Administration activities associated with off-site sub-contracting services. 
• Facilitate and support Supplier Approval Process. 
• Compare and evaluate quotations/offers from suppliers and negotiate better prices. 
• Create purchase orders (suppliers, quantities, prices). 
• Update internal databases with order details (dates, suppliers, quantities, discounts). 
• Maintain/update records of purchased products, delivery information and invoice payment release.
• Follow up with suppliers, as needed, to confirm or change orders. 
• Liaise with warehouse staff to ensure all products arrive in good condition.
• Coordinate with warehousing staff to ensure proper storage.  
• Stocking levels, minimum order levels, and reorder quantities.
• Monitor stock levels and identify purchasing needs. 
• Purchase to Pay process (three-way PO/GRN & Invoice matching). 
• Process RMA (Return Material Authorisation).  Create, monitor, track and chase Customer/Supplier Returns through the NCR Process. 
• Management of supplier part data on EFACS (supplier codes, prices etc.)
• Communicating delivery amendments to the business and updating EFACS.
• Providing a proactive, responsive purchasing support service to all customers is key, as well as establishing, promoting and maintaining effective relationships. 

As requested by the business, there may be other requirements not listed that the Supply Chain Assistant may be required to undertake. 

It is expected that the Supply Chain Assistant will be able to work flexibly and independently, covering other areas of the department as required.  Displaying initiative in supporting the varied demands of the role through excellent organisational, communication and IT skills will be essential.  The Supply Chain Assistant will be able to cope with multiple deadlines in a calm and efficient manner, dealing with enquiries from outside and within the department professionally, ensuring appropriate action is taken where necessary. 

Key Personal Attributes

• Keen attention to detail and computer literate. 
• A team worker, with a flexible approach to work. 
• People orientated, able to engage with end-users, customers and suppliers. 
• Effective communication, social skills and ability to handle complaints. 
• Ability to prioritise workflow. 

Experience

• Monitor stock levels and identify purchasing needs. 
• Educated to GCSE Level or equivalent as a minimum. 
• Work experience as a Supply Chain Assistant, Officer or Agent or similar role 
• Experienced purchasing or business administration or relevant field. 
• Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel etc) 
• Solid organisational skills and attention to detail. 
• Good knowledge of suppliers sourcing practice (researching, evaluating and liaising with suppliers). 
• Good understanding of supply chain procedures. 
• Experience with ePurchasing software. 
• Knowledge of supplier market research. 

Eligibility for Employment in the UK

In accordance with current legislative requirements within the UK, any successful applicant must produce verification of their eligibility to live and work in the UK. Such verification should be taken in advance of the employment start date and the applicant will be unable to start in their role until this has been received by Synectics.

Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity

Synectics plc and its subsidiaries are committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment and in our employment policies for recruitment, selection, training, development and promotion. Such policies are in place to ensure that both job applicants and employees of Synectics receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.