Operations Assistant - International Supply Chain & Procurement

Get Inside the Engine Room of an International Business.

Some Operations Assistant roles keep you firmly in the admin lane.

This one gives you a view across the whole operation.

Join Södra Wood, where you'll support the teams responsible for keeping products, suppliers, data and operational processes moving across our GB and Ireland business.

From raising purchase orders and assisting with supplier interactions to working with ERP systems, analysing operational data and helping introduce better digital processes, you'll gain hands-on exposure to how an international operation really works.

If you're organised, analytical and naturally curious about how businesses run - and you want a role where you can learn, contribute and take on increasing responsibility - we'd love to hear from you.

The Role at a Glance

Operations Assistant
Cirencester Office Park | Hybrid Working - 3 Days Office / 2 Days Home
£27,000 - £30,000 + Excellent Benefits
Permanent | Full Time

Occasional Travel:  GB, Ireland, Sweden & Finland

Reporting to: Operations Manager

Your Background / Skills: Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, ERP Systems, Purchase Orders, Data Analysis, Supplier Management, Compliance, Process Improvement, Organisation, Problem Solving

The Opportunity

As Operations Assistant, your primary focus will be supporting our Inbound Operations team, while also providing support across Outbound and Compliance when required.

It's a varied role.

One day you could be raising purchase orders and liaising with suppliers; another you'll be analysing operational data, correcting product information or supporting compliance activity.

You'll also get involved in identifying and implementing new digital processes as the business continues to evolve.

To do that successfully, you'll develop a detailed understanding of our ERP and Quality Management Systems (QMS) and how they connect with our wider operational processes.

Over time, you'll gain a broad understanding of the operational tasks, systems and challenges involved in keeping our GB and Ireland business running effectively.

What You'll Be Doing

Inbound Operations & Procurement

• Support product management and procurement processes, helping ensure stock is in the right place at the right time.
• Raise purchase orders and liaise with suppliers to achieve successful outcomes.
• Support the correct release of products for sale through our Inbound processes.
• Identify and correct product coding errors.
• Gather, manage and report critical operational data.
• Adapt data and reporting activity as our digitalisation processes develop.
• Support the Quality and Environmental Coordinator with compliance activity.
• Assist with the satisfactory completion of corrective action reports (CARs).
• Contribute to the identification and implementation of improved digital processes.

Outbound & Compliance

• Provide support with day-to-day Outbound and Compliance activities according to workload and business requirements.
• Monitor treatment solution strengths and report variances.
• Monitor treatment fluid stock levels and arrange replenishment orders.
• Step across different operational activities when additional support is needed.

Data, Systems & Improvement

• Develop a strong working knowledge of our ERP and QMS systems.
• Understand how systems, data and operational procedures work together to deliver the required outcomes.
• Gather and report information that helps the Operations team make informed decisions.
• Identify problems, investigate what's causing them and help find practical solutions.
• Support changes and improvements through to implementation.

About You

You don't necessarily need to arrive knowing everything about timber or our operation - full training will be provided.

What we're looking for is someone with strong organisational and analytical ability who enjoys understanding how things work and takes pride in getting the details right.

You'll be comfortable working with systems and data, communicating with different people and adapting when priorities change.

You'll likely bring:

• Some previous experience working with ERP systems.
• Strong analytical skills and confidence working with operational information and data.
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail.
• Good problem-solving skills and the determination to see issues through to resolution.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• The ability to adapt when circumstances or priorities change.
• A proactive approach to identifying where processes could work better.
• The confidence to work with colleagues, suppliers and other external stakeholders.
• An interest in developing a broader understanding of supply chain and business operations.

Who You'll Work With

You'll become part of a wider operational network and regularly interact with colleagues and partners including:

• Operations leadership and Operations Executives.
• GB & Ireland Sales teams.
• GB & Ireland Finance team.
• Suppliers.
• Hauliers and terminals.
• External permitting and certification bodies.

There may also be opportunities for occasional travel across Great Britain, Ireland, Sweden and Finland as part of the role.

What You'll Get

Alongside a competitive salary, you'll receive:

• Company contributory pension scheme.
• Company Health and Dental Plan, where available.
• Permanent Health Insurance.
• Life Assurance.
• Participation in the Group bonus scheme.
• 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 5 days' annual leave.
• Full training to help you succeed in the role.
• Hybrid working - 3 days office / 2 days home.

Why This Role?

This is a particularly good opportunity for someone who wants to build a broader career in operations, supply chain or procurement.

Rather than being confined to one small part of the process, you'll gain exposure to procurement, stock, suppliers, ERP systems, operational data, compliance and digital improvement.

You'll be joining an international organisation where you'll have plenty to learn, but also plenty of opportunity to contribute.

Your Experience / Background / Previous Roles May Include
Operations Assistant, Operations Coordinator, Supply Chain Assistant, Supply Chain Coordinator, Procurement Assistant, Purchasing Assistant, Operations Administrator, Logistics Coordinator, Logistics Assistant, Stock Coordinator, Purchasing Coordinator or Business Operations Assistant.

Apply Now

If you're organised, analytical and keen to build your career in a role that gives you genuine exposure across an international operation, we'd love to hear from you.

Bring your eye for detail, your problem-solving mindset and your willingness to learn - we'll provide the training and opportunity to develop from there.

Application notice... We take your privacy seriously. When you apply, we shall process your details and pass your application to our client for review for this vacancy only. As you might expect you may be contacted by email, text or telephone. Your data is processed on the basis of our legitimate interests in fulfilling the recruitment process. Please refer to our Data Privacy Policy & Notice on our website for further details.