Operations And Commercial Assistant

Reed Business Support are recruiting on behalf of a Distributor specialising within the Chemical space. Due to continued success are client are looking to add an Operations/Commercial Assistant to their team on a permanent basis.
Our client is looking for a talented, self-motivated, and enthusiastic Commercial Assistant to strengthen the commercial team and help with purchasing, logistics and sales.

The role will involve:

• Order processing and follow-ups (POs, despatch notes, proformas, invoices, COAs)
• Supply and demand forecasting based on market conditions, macroeconomic environment and customer requirements
• Stock management and planning
• Operation and oversight of CRM and ERP software
• Liaising with warehouse for despatching orders and communicating updates and/ or issues with customers
• Clear and effective communication by phone, email and other means with clients, suppliers and internal colleagues to expedite planning, ordering, delivery and accounting requirements of clients and suppliers
• Recording of sales information, documents, and customer contact information
• Ensuring payments are received from customers on time and carrying out credit checks when required
• Arranging samples for customers and monitoring stock levels at 3rd party sample company
• General administration duties, including marketing, events organisation, scheduling and maintaining office welfare
• Domestic and international travel may be required on occasions to attend trade shows and assist on customer visits if necessary

Essential requirements for the role:

• Previous purchasing, logistics and customer service experience is essential
• Road, Sea & Air Freight experience (Desirable)
• Enthusiastic, open-minded and very willing to learn
• Excellent attention to detail with strong time management skills
• Organised and self-motivated, willing to take the initiative and be proactive
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and high interpersonal competence and negotiation abilities
• Committed to going above and beyond expectations
• Proficient with software such as CRMs, ERPs, XERO etc.
• Tech savvy – highly proficient in working with technology (laptops, phones, printers etc.) and Microsoft software (Windows, Excel, PowerPoint etc.)
• Able to work independently under remote management (e.g., WFH)
• Highly proficient in English

Advantageous/desirable qualities:

• Experience with dangerous goods transport and storage
• Interest or previous experience in the chemicals industry is desirable but not essential
• Experience in logistics highly desirable – import/export procedures, incoterms, interacting with global freight forwarders and couriers
• Experience in warehousing and stock management/invoicing
• Experience working for an agent or distributor

Other information
Salary: £25-35k (negotiable, dependent on experience), with performance-based bonus, health insurance, pension contributions, car allowance etc.
Hours: Monday – Friday (09:00-17:00)
Location: Flexible (min. 3/4 days in-person per week, Leeds office)