Impulse Recruitment are currently recruiting for a Assistant Purchasing Manager for a large company based in Co Dublin
This is a Full Time Permanent role and a great opportunity to join a large team
The ideal candidate will have previous experience working within FMCG
Department: Procurement
Reporting to: Purchasing Manager
Role Purpose
To support the Purchasing Manager in ensuring the timely and cost-effective supply of ingredients, packaging and key indirect materials to production operations. The Assistant Purchasing Manager plays a hands-on role in daily ordering and supplier coordination, while developing capability and constant improvements in forecasting, supplier management and stock control within a fast-paced FMCG food manufacturing environment and build on cost control and efficiency strategies within the department.
Key Responsibilities
1) Operational Purchasing & Daily Ordering
- Raise purchase orders for ingredients (ambient, chilled, frozen) and packaging materials (trays, films, boxes, labels, sleeves, pots/lids, soup pots, etc.) based on stock levels, production plans and sales forecasts.
- Support ordering of chemicals and PPE, maintaining agreed stockholding levels in line with usage and compliance requirements.
- Ensure purchase orders are accurate and aligned with lead times, MOQ’s, pricing and supplier agreements.
- Monitor order confirmations and delivery schedules, escalating any risks or delays to the Purchasing Manager.
- Support the Purchasing Manager in coordinating daily priorities across the procurement team, ensuring effective task cover, timely issue escalation, and consistent ways of working.
2) Stock Control & Availability
- Monitor stock levels and report potential risks (low cover, excess stock, short shelf-life exposure).
- Support maintenance of agreed stockholding targets to protect production while minimising waste and obsolescence.
- Work closely with Warehouse and Planning to support stock accuracy and investigate discrepancies where required.
3) Supplier Coordination & Delivery Performance
- Maintain regular contact and manage relationships with suppliers to confirm orders, delivery dates and quantities.
- Track deliveries to ensure materials arrive on time and in full, following up on late or short deliveries.
- Escalate supplier service or quality issues promptly and support corrective actions through cross departmental channels within BMF
4) Forecasting & Planning Support
- Assist in preparing supplier forecasts for ingredients and packaging working with production planning to ensure seamless supply
- Support planning for packaging items such as labels, sleeves, pots and lids, ensuring requirements reflect sales forecasts and promotions.
- Attend planning/forecast meetings as required to support alignment between Sales, Planning and Purchasing and production
5) Systems & Master Data
- Assist with setting up new ingredients, packaging items and suppliers on the system, ensuring data is updated for accuracy at all times
- Maintain purchasing data accuracy to support Planning and Finance by means of weekly / monthly reports
6) NPD & Changeover Support
- Support NPD and Purchasing Manager in sourcing new ingredients and packaging, arranging samples and collecting specifications.
- Assist with purchasing actions linked to new product launches, substitutions and delists.
- Communicate approved ingredient or packaging changes to relevant internal teams to ensure smooth changeovers within agreed timelines
7) Obsolescence & Write-Off Support
- Assist in identifying obsolete or delisting materials (particularly packaging and labels).
- Support reporting of potential write-offs and provide information in advance to Purchasing Manager and Finance as required.
8) Fresh Ordering Oversight
- Keep and overview of daily ordering processes for fresh veg/meat/dairy, ensuring alignment with production demand and short shelf-life requirements.
- Ensure ordering processes reflect new launches, promotions and changes communicated by Sales/Planning.
Key Working Relationships
Internal: Purchasing Manager, Supply Chain, Planning, Sales, Production, NPD, Technical/Quality, Warehouse, Finance
External: Ingredient suppliers, packaging suppliers, indirect suppliers
Measures of Success / KPIs
- Accuracy and timeliness of purchase orders
- Delivery performance
- Stock availability and reduced stock risks
- Accuracy of system data and purchasing records
- Effective support of new launches and changeovers
- Reduced waste and improved stock control discipline
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Extensive Experience in purchasing, buying or supply chain within food manufacturing or FMCG
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- Good communication skills and confidence dealing with suppliers
- Competent in Excel and ERP/MRP systems
- Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment
Desirable
- Experience with chilled/fresh supply chains
- Exposure to packaging procurement and label ordering
- Experience supporting NPD launches or change management
Behavioural Expectations
- Proactive and reliable with strong follow-through
- Detail-focused and process-driven
- Calm under pressure and adaptable to changing priorities
- Collaborative team player with willingness to learn and develop
- Strong sense of accountability
- Strong communication skills.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Bike to work scheme
- Employee assistance program
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person