Job Description

This is an exciting career opportunity to join our Procurement Team as Purchasing Assistant (part-time, permanent) responsible for the buying requirements of our Blaina factory.

The working hours are family friendly - 5 days per week - 23 hours per week (10am-3pm Mon-Thu and 10am-1pm Friday). You will be based at our newly extended, modern factory which is situated between Brynmawr and Abertillery in South East Wales.

We are an expanding, privately owned business employing over 145 staff in South Wales and with a strong local history. Blackwood Engineering is an international market leader in the production and supply of metal castings and counterweights, working with global names in the construction manufacturing sector such as JCB, Caterpillar and Volvo. We are based across 3 sites in South Wales, and 1 site in Belgium. We have recently won Employer of the Year in the TMBC regional business excellence awards and we have exciting growth plans for the future.

Job Overview

Blackwood Engineering are seeking a Purchasing Assistant (part-time), who has experience of working in an office environment and with good attention to detail.

The purpose of the role is to ensure the timely and cost-effective supply of materials, consumables, and services required for day-to-day manufacturing operations.

This role supports the production process by maintaining local supplier relationships and ensuring critical items are always available to support production output and efficiency. The ability to work efficiently and effectively with strong attention to detail is important along with good communication skills. Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.

You will have office administration and/or purchasing experience and/or recent business related qualifications. You will be detail focused and willing to learn.

This is an important, office-based role where you will be responsible for our Blaina production site procurement needs.

You will be a key member of the Central Procurement Team whilst being based at, and supporting, the on-site Production Team at Blaina with its' daily purchasing requirements, processing orders and assisting with data entry.

It is a requirement of this role to be based on-site, in person. There will be an occasional requirement to visit teams at our other sites in Aberbeeg and Blackwood.

Duties

The role of Purchasing Assistant will cover the following areas:

Raise and process purchase orders for materials, consumables, and services and maintenance items in line with company procedures. Monitor and follow up on outstanding orders to ensure on-time delivery. Liaise with local suppliers to obtain quotations, confirm deliveries, and resolve supply issues. Monitor stock levels and reorder items based on production requirements. Support cost-saving initiatives and identify opportunities for local supplier improvement. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of supplier details, pricing, and order history. Assist in monitoring supplier performance, including quality, delivery, and cost. Process delivery notes and match against purchase orders as required. Support inventory control activities, including cycle counts and stock reconciliation. Ensure compliance with company procurement policies, quality standards, and health & safety procedures. Use the latest Microsoft packages including Teams, Outlook and Excel and other management systems MRP/ERP software as required.
These duties are not 'limited' or 'fixed' and you may be required to take on additional reasonable responsibilities, as our business needs change.

Requirements:

Minimum of 5 GCSEs including Maths and English (A to C) A-levels or BTEC qualifications in Business Administration or higher level qualifications desirable but not essential. Must be familiar with Microsoft Packages, eg Excel/Word or other computer packages The ability to communicate professionally by email, in person, by telephone or online. Ability to drive is advantageous as you will occasionally need to visit our other sites Previous experience in a procurement role is desirable but not essential A willingness to learn and a positive attitude is essential. Excellent organisational skills with attention to detail to manage multiple tasks efficiently. Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment while also being self-motivated to work independently. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to liaise effectively with suppliers and internal teams. Punctual, able to work to deadlines

How to Apply?

Please apply for this position with you up to date cv, detailing your hobbies and interests and provide a covering application note explaining your skills and why you think you should be considered for the role.

Cut off for applications is 28 January 2026. Interviews w/c 02 February 2026. Start date is as soon as possible.

Please note that references will be required from previous recent employers prior to any appointment offer.

Email: viv.compton@bweng.com direct with queries or contact us direct on Indeed.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 12.71 per hour

Expected hours: 23 per week

Benefits:

Company events Company pension Cycle to work scheme Employee mentoring programme Free parking On-site parking Sick pay
Application question(s):

Are you based in South Wales and can reliably commute to our Blaina site, NP13 3JW daily?
Education:

GCSE or equivalent (required)
Experience:

Business skills: 1 year (required)
Language:

English (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person