Plant Purchasing Assistant

Location: Ravago Manufacturing UK, Leigh, Lancashire

Reporting to: Purchasing Manager

Working hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Some flexibility may occasionally be required.

Salary: Competitive

About the Role

We’re looking for a proactive and organised Plant Purchasing Assistant to join our team at Ravago Manufacturing UK.

This is a varied, hands-on role where you’ll be at the heart of our plant’s purchasing activity. Working closely with the Purchasing Manager, suppliers, Finance and operational teams, you’ll help ensure purchase orders are processed accurately, stock levels are maintained and goods arrive on time and in full.

It’s a great opportunity for someone who enjoys building relationships, solving problems and keeping busy in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Enter relevant information into the OHM system to support efficient order handling.
• Raise purchase and transport orders for scrap and regrind loads.
• Book receipts for incoming scrap and regrind loads.
• Resolve invoice and order data queries by liaising with suppliers and the central Finance team.
• Support stock management in line with Group targets.
• Manage site purchases, working with the Engineering Manager, Warehouse Manager and Shift Leaders to maintain appropriate stock levels.
• Purchase PPE, factory consumables, engineering supplies, office products and cleaning materials.
• Match received invoices against the Ultimo engineering system.
• Accurately record and maintain purchasing paperwork.
• Support compliance with Environmental Agency permit requirements and duty-of-care responsibilities, including waste transfer documentation and supplier checks.
• Assist with PRN compliance and submissions, including recording tonnage and gathering the required supporting evidence.
• Develop positive supplier relationships alongside the Purchasing Manager.
• Request supporting documentation and photographs from suppliers, arranging site visits or audits where required.
• Provide support and cover for plant ordering and logistics during periods of holiday or absence.

What We’re Looking For

You’ll be someone who is organised, confident working with data and comfortable managing several priorities at once. You’ll enjoy working collaboratively and building effective relationships with colleagues and suppliers.

Ideally, you’ll have:

• Experience using ERP systems and managing detailed or complex workflows.
• An understanding of purchasing processes, planning and supplier relationships.
• Strong Excel and database skills.
• The ability to prepare clear and accurate reports.
• Confident written and verbal communication skills, including using Microsoft Teams, email and presentations.
• Good attention to detail and a practical approach to problem-solving.
• The ability to multitask and support colleagues within a small operational team.
• Previous experience in a similar or related role.

Experience within the waste or recycling industry would be an advantage, but it isn’t essential. A higher-level qualification in business or science would also be beneficial.

Applicants should hold GCSEs, or equivalent qualifications, in Maths and English and must have the right to work in the UK.

Why Join Ravago?

Ravago has grown from a local Belgian team into a global family company. Today, the Group serves customers across more than 60 countries and has a broad international production footprint covering recycling, compounding, building solutions, chemicals and life ingredients.

Joining us means becoming part of a global organisation while working within a supportive local team. You’ll have the opportunity to build your purchasing knowledge, develop strong supplier relationships and play an important role in the smooth day-to-day running of our Leigh manufacturing site.

Ready to Join Us?

If you’re organised, commercially aware and looking for a varied purchasing role where your contribution will make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.