Purchasing Assistant

Company Overview

Duftons Plumbing & Heating Supplies, established in Yorkshire in 1986, is one of the largest independent plumbing and heating merchants in the North of England. Our commitment to exceptional customer care and expertise ensures that both our trade and retail customers have the support they need to complete their projects successfully.

Summary

The Purchasing Assistant plays a key role in supporting both the branches and the purchasing team by managing branch stock replenishment, setting up new items and contracts, and monitoring sales and stock levels.

Responsibilities

• Analyse stock levels and place daily purchase orders to replenish branch inventory.
• Maintain and update branch stock to ensure it remains relevant and aligned with demand.
• Work closely with branches to meet their stock requirements, resolve issues promptly, and maintain strong communication and relationships between branches and the purchasing team.
• Manage cost pricing and product setup on the system, including coding new items, updating prices following increases, and setting up job-specific contracts for branches.
• Fulfil branch requests by sourcing products, identifying supply routes, and processing purchase order requests.
• Ensure adherence to the company’s buying strategy at both branch and purchasing department levels.
• Resolve invoice queries in a timely and accurate manner.
• Assist with data analysis, including identification of overstocked, slow-moving, and fast-moving items.
• Provide general administrative support, such as filing and data entry, as needed.
• Collaborate with the purchasing team to identify opportunities for process improvements and efficiency gains.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities. You may be expected to perform additional duties that are reasonably aligned with your role as and when necessary.

Requirements

Essential

• Excellent attention to detail, strong organisational skills and ability to multitask.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with colleagues and suppliers.
• Comfortable working independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
• Enthusiastic and willing to learn, with a proactive approach to developing new skills.
• Administrative experience.

Desirable

• Experience in purchasing, stock control or supply chain.
• Confident using ERP systems particularly Intact.
• Familiarity with day-to-day operations in a plumbing merchant setting.

We’re looking for someone who’s ready to hit the ground running—if you’re motivated, hands-on, and ready to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you! Please apply to [email protected]

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Private medical insurance
• Sick pay

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: Purchasing Assistant