Assistant Buyer

Job Type: Full-time, permanent contract - on site in Exeter office

Location: Sowton, Exeter

Hours: 9am - 5pm, Mon - Fri

Salary: £ 28,000 - £ 34,000 per annum ( depending on experience )

THE COMPANY

Luminous Show Technology is an award-winning engineering company specialising in the design and manufacture of advanced special effects systems for the global entertainment industry.

From large-scale flame systems and atmospheric effects to bespoke mechanical and water-based installations, our equipment is used on productions, attractions and live experiences worldwide where reliability, safety and repeatability are critical.

Our work combines mechanical, electrical and control engineering with rapid problem solving, product development and real-world deployment in demanding environments.

Founded in 2017, Luminous has grown rapidly through a strong engineering-led culture focused on innovation, practical delivery and continual improvement. In 2026, the company received a King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation in recognition of its engineering achievements and product development.

THE ROLE

We are seeking a highly capable Assistant Buyer to support our day-to-day purchasing activities across the business. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a fast-moving technical environment, building strong supplier relationships, and keeping operations running smoothly.

You’ll work closely with our Senior Buyer, Engineering and Production teams to ensure materials, components and services are sourced efficiently and delivered on time. Your work will directly support our wider procurement strategy, enabling the Senior Buyer to focus on supplier performance, cost reduction and long-term value creation.

This is a detail-driven role at the heart of our procurement team, where clarity, accuracy and pace are essential.

This role is offered on a permanent, full-time contract and will be subject to the successful completion of a 6-month probationary review.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Day-to-Day Purchasing

• Undertake daily purchasing activities across multiple categories.
• Raise purchase orders for materials, components, consumables and services.
• Manage category spend and purchasing requirements through the MRP system.
• Maintain and update the open purchase order book.
• Monitor supplier lead times and update internal systems accordingly.
• Ensure pricing, MOQ and delivery terms are correctly captured and maintained.
• Support with expediting urgent orders when required.
• Ensure accurate documentation, pricing and supplier information is maintained.

Supplier and Stakeholder Coordination

• Liaise between suppliers, manufacturers and internal teams.
• Support Engineering and Production with material availability, lead-time updates and issue resolution.
• Manage RMAs, returns and supplier-related issues.
• Maintain supplier contact details, performance notes and communication logs.
• Assist with onboarding new suppliers, including documentation and initial orders.
• Support Finance with resolving invoice and PO queries or discrepancies.
• Gather data for supplier performance reviews (OTIF, quality issues, responsiveness).

Logistics and Inbound Management

• Organise deliveries, inbound/outbound shipments and logistics.
• Track inbound shipments and proactively flag delays or risks.
• Monitor outstanding orders and ensure timely fulfilment.
• Coordinate with warehouse staff to ensure goods are booked in correctly.
• Maintain records for import documentation, certificates of conformity and related paperwork.
• Support planning of inbound shipments to optimise cost, storage capacity and timing.

Data, Systems and Reporting

• Keep MRP/ERP data accurate (lead times, part numbers, supplier codes, pricing).
• Support stock level checks and inventory reconciliation.
• Assist with maintaining procurement documentation, templates and process guides.

Continuous Improvement and Compliance

• Suggest improvements to purchasing processes and supplier communication where appropriate.
• Ensure purchasing activities follow internal controls and approval routes.
• Support sustainability, compliance or traceability requirements where relevant.
• Help maintain procurement KPIs and dashboards when required.
• Undertake daily purchasing activities across multiple categories.
• Raise purchase orders for materials, components, consumables and services.
• Manage category spend and purchasing requirements through the MRP system.
• Maintain and update the open purchase order book.
• Monitor supplier lead times and update internal systems accordingly.
• Ensure pricing, MOQ and delivery terms are correctly captured and maintained.
• Support with expediting urgent orders when required.
• Ensure accurate documentation, pricing and supplier information is maintained.

ABOUT YOU

You will thrive in this role if you are:

• Highly organised, with strong attention to detail
• Comfortable working with suppliers and internal stakeholders
• Confident managing multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment
• Proactive, reliable and able to follow established processes
• Interested in procurement, supply chain or operations
• Familiar with MRP/ERP systems (desirable, not essential)
• Keen to learn and develop within a growing procurement function

WHY JOIN LUMINOUS?

• Be part of a growing, award-winning engineering company.
• Work on unusual, technically challenging and creatively driven engineering systems.
• Contribute to products and bespoke projects used worldwide across live events, theatre and themed entertainment.
• Operate within a highly practical, hands-on engineering culture.
• Exposure to product innovation, R&D and international project delivery.

THE BENEFITS

• Salary: £28,000 - £34,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Company pension scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Company events.
• Company uniform.
• Private health insurance and cash plan available after probation period.
• Paid sick leave available after probation period.
• Free onsite parking.
• Free refreshments.
• Working hours Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

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