Purchasing Assistant
Salary £ 30,000
Units 4-6 Wyvern Industrial Estate - Beverley Way, New Malden, Surrey KT3 4PH
Vacancy listed 10/09/2026
Application deadline 26/10/2026
Details
Hours per week: 42.5 (M – F 0830 – 1800 *an hour unpaid break inclusive)

Contract: Permanent, Full-time, Subject to 3-month probation

Expected Start date: ASAP

Reports To: Purchasing Officer

Location: office-based

Duties & Key Responsibilities
  • Manage Chinese food product category and supplier relationships
  • Negotiate pricing and terms with suppliers
  • Monitor stock levels and place orders to ensure availability
  • Maintain appropriate inventory and back stock levels
  • Check incoming goods for quality and accuracy
  • Monitor and update product pricing when required
  • Track sales performance and report to management
  • Process invoices, returns, and related documents
  • Liaise with branches regarding promotions and stock issues
  • Communicate with suppliers, customers, and internal teams
  • Maintain accurate records and filing systems
  • Ensure data accuracy in purchasing and inventory systems
  • Follow company procedures and complete ad hoc tasks as required
 
Requirements
  • 1–2 years’ experience in retail or wholesale (food industry preferred)
  • Knowledge of Chinese food products, importation, or labelling (advantageous)
  • Fluent in Mandarin and English
  • Good numerical and analytical skills
  • Strong organisational and time management skills
  • Good attention to detail and accuracy
  • Strong communication and negotiation skills
  • Ability to multitask and work independently
  • Proactive, reliable, and able to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Willingness to learn and adapt

The Company:
Korea Foods Company is the leader in the supply of Korean food in the UK. A family-run business, established in 1999, Korea Foods Company has over 500 employees working within its Head Office, Logistics Centres, and Retail Stores.

We import from key brands in Korea, and distribute to the Asian community, focusing on East Asian consumers. We have also seen substantial growth within the supermarket multiples, securing significant listings with Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, and Costco.

We also operate our own retail store network, Seoul Plaza, currently with 21 stores within the estate, with more opening in 2026.

Growth has been consistently double-digit, with a sales turnover in excess of £85 million.

The company is an incredibly dynamic and fast-paced place to work, with ambiguity and transparency that is often associated with family-run businesses. It is, also, whilst not for the faint-hearted, a rewarding workplace where personal achievements are recognised due to the relatively flat management structure.

Benefits

Key benefits but not limited to, include:
· Paid day off on your birthday
· Yearly bonus
· Free onsite parking
· Holiday starting at 28 days plus a personal day rising to 29 days after 5 years (Bank holidays inclusive);
· Pension scheme 3% contributed by the company
· Annual pay review
· 5% discount from Company’s retail stores Seoul Plaza and Cash and Carry

Notes

***IMPORTANT: Please ensure you attach your CV with your application.
Interviews for suitable candidates will be conducted while the job advertisement is active. Please note that the posting may close earlier than the specified deadline, depending on recruitment progress.
Please note: Due to the high volume of applications, if you do not hear from us within 2 weeks of submitting your application, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.
If you have any specific questions, please submit an inquiry through the company's website under the RECRUITMENT section: https://www.koreafoods.co.uk/contact/

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