A1 Equipment is a well-established company specialising in commercial kitchen and catering equipment and supplies. We offer a wide range of brands and product categories, serving customers from independent restaurants to large stadiums and national chains.

We’re a motivated, fast-paced team focused on success, and we’re looking for a Purchasing Manager to join us. If you’re ambitious, relationship-driven, and ready to grow with a thriving business, we’d love to hear from you

As an Assistant Buyer, you’d play a key role in shaping our product range and ensuring smooth, cost-effective supply chain operations. You’ be supporting our team in sourcing, forecasting, supplier management, and maintaining optimal inventory levels to push our business' growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Support purchasing activities from aiding in accurate forecasting and placing purchase orders to upkeeping our inventory management system
• Track supplier production timelines to ensure on-time delivery
• Assist in product and brand control, including packaging requirements, product descriptions, and regulatory compliance
• Maintain clear, accurate records of orders, production progress, and supplier performance
• Generate and analyse reports to support data-informed decisions and guide the purchasing team's strategies
• Source new products and help identify potential suppliers to diversify and expand our offerings
• Monitor supplier quality control to uphold our high product standards
• Meet company buying targets through strategic procurement and supplier negotiations

Who We’re Looking For

• Ability to build and maintain strong supplier relationships
• Highly organised, with excellent planning and multitasking abilities
• Analytical and process-oriented thinker with strong numerical skills
• A problem-solving mindset focused on continuous improvement
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and workstreams effectively
• Previous experience in procurement or purchasing roles is preferred, knowledge of the buying process is a must!

Desirable Experience

• Prior experience sourcing consumer goods directly from Asia
• Familiarity with inventory management systems or ordering software

Benefits

• Free On-site Parking
• Company Events & Parties
• Complimentary Team Lunch every 6 weeks
• Hybrid Working - WFH 1 day a week
• 3:30pm Friday Finishes Throughout the year
• Fruit provided & fully stocked soft drinks fridge
• Employee Discount
• Casual Dress
• Company Pension

Pay: £33,000.00-£37,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Casual dress
• Company events
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Flexitime
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Sick pay
• Work from home

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Hemel Hempstead