Job Description

This is an exciting career opportunity to join our production team as Purchasing Assistant (part-time, permanent) with a requirement for an immediate start. The working hours are family friendly - 5 days per week.

Blackwood Engineering is a market leader in the production and supply of metal castings and counterweights, supplying global names in the construction manufacturing sector such as JCB, Caterpillar and Volvo. We are a family owned business based across 3 sites in South Wales, and 1 site in Belgium, supplying products internationally. We have recently been shortlisted for International Business 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 Purchasing Assistant, with experience working in an office environment with strong attention to detail, the ability to work under pressure and the confidence to work autonomously whilst an integral part of the cross-site team. Possessing excellent communication skills, you also will be confident working on a computer with experience of different Microsoft packages and enterprise management applications. 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.

About the Role of Purchasing Assistant

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 ideal candidate will play an important role supporting the Procurement Lead and the Site Production Team at Blaina with its' procurement requirements, processing orders and assisting with data entry.

It is a requirement to be working on-site. 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. As part of the Procurement Team you will liaise closely with other offices in different locations. Be able to use the latest ICT technology to support the role including Microsoft Teams, Excel, Word, Outlook, SharePoint and other management systems MRP/ERP software.
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 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 14 Nov 2025. Shortlisting will take place week commencing 17 November. Interviews will take place up to 28th November. Start date anticipated for 1st December 2025 but we can offer flexibility for the right candidate.

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: Permanent, Part-time

Pay: 12.21 per hour

Benefits:

Company events Cycle to work scheme Employee mentoring programme Free parking On-site parking Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:

Abertillery NP13 3JW: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
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

Reference ID: Purchasing Assistant Blaina
Expected start date: 01/12/2025