Job Title : Assistant Purchasing Manager Department : Procurement Reporting to : Purchasing Manager Location : Ballymaguire Foods Role Purpose To support the Purchasing Manager in ensuring the timely and cost-effective supply of ingredients, packaging and key indirect materials to Ballymaguire Foods’ 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 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 Experience with chilled/fresh supply chains Exposure to packaging procurement and label ordering Experience supporting NPD launches or change management 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 Ballymaguire Foods Rathmooney Lusk, Co. Dublin K45 NP03 Ireland . #J-18808-Ljbffr