Assistant Buyer

Job Function / Scope
The Assistant Buyer is responsible for procurement activities, client liaison, material sourcing, quotation and proposal preparation, and order processing. The role involves responding to client enquiries and purchase orders, expediting deliveries, and monitoring supplier performance and logistics requirements. The position supports international business growth and works collaboratively with team members to maximise revenue and profitability.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Assistant Buyer provides procurement support and communicates effectively with customers on all purchasing and supply‑chain matters. The role includes sourcing products, liaising with suppliers on pricing, availability, and lead times, and negotiating purchase agreements while ensuring materials meet company and client standards.

The position supports tender preparation, including the creation of technical data sheets and material reports. It also involves processing orders by generating sales and purchase orders and maintaining positive relationships with vendors. Staying aware of industry trends, cost fluctuations, and potential supply‑chain issues is essential.

The Assistant Buyer expedites and tracks orders, organises and monitors air console shipments, and assists with import and export tasks. Accurate bookkeeping and the maintenance of up‑to‑date supplier and client account data are required. General administrative responsibilities include filing, maintaining accurate records, compiling internal reports, and managing correspondence. The role requires the ability to multitask, work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and occasionally work flexible hours to accommodate international clients’ time zones.

Performance Measures

Performance will be assessed based on the accuracy of data, attention to detail, customer satisfaction, service delivery, and compliance with company processes and procedures.

Qualifications and Experience

The position requires strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, an HND‑level qualification, and at least three years’ experience in a similar role.

Core Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships and collaborate with colleagues. A strong commitment to customer service, personal integrity, reliability, and a results‑focused mindset are essential. The role requires the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, along with a commitment to maintaining safety for themselves and colleagues.

Specific Competency Requirements

The role requires accurate data recording, the ability to manage changing priorities, a high level of information accuracy, and confidence handling telephone enquiries

Our Company

From our roots in agricultural inspections, Peterson and Control Union have been operating for nearly 100 years in the field of logistics, quality, certifications and risk management. Our in-depth knowledge and experience covers all aspects of the supply chain in many industries including agriculture, energy, forestry, sustainability and textiles.

80:20 Procurement Ltd, a Peterson company, can supply the complete range of low value consumables and ‘one off’ supplies. By using unique commercial models and e-commerce to improve the ordering process, we can effectively use our skills to manage the ‘Tail of the Supply Chain’.