Salary: £30,000–£34,000 depending on experience
Hours: Full time, permanent
Location: York
A well‑established, small engineering business in York is looking to appoint a Buyer / Purchasing Administrator to support its busy operations team. This is a key role responsible for purchasing administration, supplier communication and wider office support. The position offers development potential for candidates with existing buying experience, as well as full training for strong administrators looking to step into a purchasing role.
About the Role
Working within a friendly, stable office team, you will manage the day‑to‑day purchasing process, ensuring materials, components and equipment are sourced efficiently and delivered on time. You will also provide general administrative support across the business, including handling incoming calls, processing job files, scanning reports and assisting with operational documentation.
This is a varied role where accuracy, communication and organisation are essential.
Key Responsibilities
Purchasing
- Issue enquiries to suppliers, request quotes and place purchase orders.
- Liaise with technical colleagues on drawings, materials and costings.
- Expedite orders and update internal teams on expected delivery dates.
- Source products, tools and equipment as required.
- Maintain purchasing databases and set up new supplier accounts.
- Assist with delivery notes, supplier documentation and invoice checks.
Sales & Order Processing Support
- Provide primary cover for incoming calls and direct enquiries appropriately.
- Assist with creating electronic job files, job numbers and customer order processing.
- Issue order acknowledgements and create collection/delivery notes when needed.
Operations & Site Support
- Collate and scan site reports and documentation.
- Assist with transport arrangements, plant hire and customer deliveries.
- Update work diaries, site locations and project documentation.
- Add photos and maintain accurate job files.
Health & Safety, Quality and General Administration
- Report unsafe behaviour and complete Near Miss/Accident reports when required.
- Support safety equipment testing records and general H&S administration.
- Assist with quality and environmental documentation and audit preparation.
- Provide reception cover, manage visitors and maintain tidy office facilities.
- General scanning, filing, shredding and admin email management.
About You
Essential
- Strong administrative background with excellent organisation and attention to detail.
- Confident communicator with a professional telephone manner.
- Good IT skills including Outlook, Word, Excel and databases.
- Minimum Grade C / Level 5 in Maths and English.
- Ability to build positive working relationships and work well within a team.
- Friendly, proactive attitude and willingness to learn.
- Ability to work independently and use initiative.
Desirable
- Previous purchasing or buying experience.
- Experience selecting or visiting suppliers.
- Knowledge of engineering or technical environments (not essential).
- Full UK driving licence.
Candidates without purchasing experience will receive full training. Time in the workshop will be provided to help build understanding of components and terminology.
Salary and Benefits
- Up to £34,000 for experienced buyers.
- Supportive team culture and long‑term stability.
- Development opportunities for candidates wishing to progress.
