Purchasing Assistant

Southend, Essex
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This is a hands-on support role within the Purchasing department. The successful candidate will help maintain stock accuracy, support branches with queries, assist with supplier administration, and ensure data is entered and managed correctly.

The role requires strong attention to detail, confidence using Excel, and the ability to communicate clearly with branches and suppliers.

Competitive salary dependent on experience.

Key Responsibilities

* Field incoming phone calls and queries from branches relating to stock, orders, and product issues

* Assist with placing and progressing purchase orders

* Maintain accurate data within internal systems

* Support general purchasing administration

* Update and manage spreadsheets (including lookups, pivot tables, and basic analysis)

* Help monitor lost sales and availability issues

* Liaise with suppliers where required regarding order updates

* Provide general administrative support to the Purchasing team

Skills & Experience

Essential:

* Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel (formulas, lookups, pivot tables)

* Strong attention to detail and data accuracy

* Confident communicator, particularly over the phone

* Organised and able to prioritise tasks in a busy environment

Desirable:

* Previous experience in a purchasing, stock control, or office-based role

* Knowledge of the motor trade or automotive aftermarket

* Experience working with ERP or stock management systems

Personal Attributes

* Reliable and methodical

* Practical problem-solver

* Comfortable working with numbers and data

* Team-focused with a helpful attitude

* Able to remain calm when dealing with branch queries

What Success Looks Like

* Accurate and timely data entry

* Clear and effective communication with branches

* Reduced errors in purchasing administration

* Strong support provided to the wider Purchasing team

Motor Parts Direct has established an enviable reputation for quality and reliability, whilst at the same time meeting all targets for successful growth. Our teams across the company network make us who we are and enable us to provide a service level beyond customer expectations. Our customers have a choice, and we aim to be that ‘natural choice’.

Motor Parts Direct has been acquired by Motus. A diversified (non-manufacturing) business in the automotive sector with unrivalled scale and scope in South Africa, and a selected international presence, primarily in the United Kingdom and Australia and a limited presence in South East Asia, and Southern and East Africa.

Motus Group (UK) Ltd. encompasses the UK's largest independent commercial vehicle dealer group and, with its passenger vehicle interests included, ranks inside from the Top 15 of all UK automotive dealer groups. The company has annual revenues of over £1 billion and employs almost 3000 people across its operations

Job Info
CV-Library logo
Job Title:
Purchasing Assistant
Company:
CV-Library
Location:
Southend, Essex
Salary:
Competitive
Posted:
Feb 23rd 2026
Closes:
Mar 26th 2026
Sector:
Automotive & Aerospace
Contract:
Permanent
Hours:
Full Time
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