Purchasing & Systems Executive

We are seeking an experienced Purchasing Executive to take ownership for their designated food category procurement within a small purchasing team and a fast-moving food distribution environment.This is primarily a commercially focused purchasing role, responsible for availability, margin and supplier performance. In addition, the role includes responsibility as internal ERP super-user, ensuring system accuracy and supporting operational workflow improvements.This position suits someone commercially sharp, highly detail-oriented, confident working with data, and comfortable taking ownership of both purchasing decisions and system integrity.Key Responsibilities

Purchasing & Commercial Control (Direct Report: Purchasing Lead)

1. Purchasing & Supplier Management

· Place, amend and manage purchase orders in line with demand, availability and live stock levels

· Analyse and investigate data from ERP system to aid forecasting, stock accuracy and traceability

· Maintain proactive communication with suppliers regarding pricing, availability and substitutions· React quickly to supply disruption, redirecting collections or adjusting orders as required· Monitor supplier performance and escalate recurring issues. 2. Stock & Availability Management· Monitor live stock transactions throughout the day· Anticipate shortages and take preventative action· Protect service levels through accurate, timely purchasing· Liaise closely with warehouse and transport teams to resolve urgent stock issues 3. Pricing & Commercial Control

· Maintain accurate supplier pricing within the ERP system

· Manage price changes and communicate internally

· Support margin protection through commercially aware purchasing decision

· Analyse purchasing and stock data to identify risks and opportunities

4. Cross-Department Collaboration· Work closely with Sales, Warehouse, Operations and Accounts· Support invoice checks and pricing discrepancy resolution· Contribute to forecasting and trading discussions

ERP & Systems Ownership (Direct Report: Directors)

In addition to purchasing responsibilities, you will act as the internal ERP super-user and systems coordinator.

This includes:

· Maintaining master data accuracy (products, suppliers, pricing, barcodes, pack sizes)

· Acting as first point of contact for ERP issues before escalation to external support

· Liaising with ERP and app support providers

· Supporting report generation and data integrity

· Identifying system inefficiencies and suggesting improvements

· Assisting with coordination of operational hardware linked to workflows (printers, scanners, etc.)

Do you have experience in Purchasing?, · Minimum 3 years purchasing experience (food distribution or similar fast-moving environment preferred)

· Strong understanding of stock management and perishable goods

· Confident using ERP systems

· Strong Excel capability

· Highly detail-oriented with strong organisational discipline

· Commercially aware and margin-focused

· Calm and decisive under pressure

Desirable:

· Experience acting as an ERP super-user

· Involvement in system improvements or reporting enhancements