Buying Assistant Division: Group Buying Reports To: Purchasing Manager Based: Normanton Hours of Work - Full time in a permanent position Role Specification The role is based in Normanton. The Buying Assistant will be required to travel to other Group locations to work alongside colleagues and for external meetings as appropriate. Role Objective The Buying Assistant will work alongside the Purchasing Manager to support key buying and negotiating activities that are required to support existing and new contract and non contract business. The role will support and at times deliver relevant pricing fluctuation reporting. The role will assistant purchasing department with their work to ensure sustainable procurement objectives are met and the business remains fully compliant on all products it sells. Responsibilities will include but will not be limited to: Support the Purchasing Manager in select key category related suppliers/brands Support the Purchasing team with key product pricing information. Manage various relevant reporting aspects for the purchasing team. Work on key projects and monitor and review competitor activity - eg in Green/CSR offers. Sourcing and negotiating competitive pricing for customer specific products from vendors. Source products to customer's specifications at the right price to allow the business to quote and win tender opportunities. Request, record and present findings from Product Pricing requests in a clear and concise manner to allow easy assessment of the financial benefits of each proposal. Prepare information to assist in the management of the supplier. Including supplier assessment in accordance with the responsible procurement policy, sales and purchase analysis, service performance and terms improvement opportunities. Take responsibility for customer bespoke product set up data requirements. Investigate and where applicable resolve vendor & product specification queries Build strong relationships and rapport with key personnel, interfacing at different levels with key supplier contacts. Prioritise activity that presents the greatest influence, both real and potential, on the profitability of EVO Group Managing product cost price changes and notification details for commercial teams. Updating foreign pricing details with new monthly exchange rates and/or freight rates Providing sales and purchasing reports for Q-Connect products Person Specification Appreciation of and understanding of the legal implications of this role through legislative and regulatory knowledge. Time management is critical in this job role, so the ability to focus and drive to meet goals, deadlines and manage their workload is key. Developed communication skills and a high level of professionalism to work with senior supplier contacts. Ability to manage critical business data in a confidential manner Other Qualifications or Experience Experience developing supplier relationships Understanding of the full cost of sourcing decisions (product, freight, duty, stock holding, handling, returns) Strong numeracy skills, the ability to manipulate and present data Ability to successfully deliver multiple projects simultaneously Full UK Driving License Desirable Qualifications or Experience Experience sourcing products Sourcing for customer tenders Knowledge of importing products Knowledge of the business supplies and services industry The Company evo - a powerhouse of brands. evo Group of Companies is the UK and Ireland's largest multi-channel business supplies and services distributor. We operate a centralised distribution network, with distribution centres around the UK and Ireland, complemented by regional cross-dock sites. Our unrivalled logistics platform includes hundreds of our own delivery vehicles, efficiently delivering a vast range of essential goods to workplaces across the nation. We recognise that our people are at the heart of our culture here at evo and we are proud to employ over 2,000 people across our industry leading brands: VOW Wholesale, VOW Ireland, Banner, Complete, Premvan, Truline & Staples. The Benefits • Flexible working • Pension contributions • Cycle to work scheme • Employee Assistance Programme • State of the art IT equipment • Volunteer days