Operations Associate

Salary: £28-40k+ (negotiable, dependent on experience) with performance-based bonus, health insurance, pension contributions etc.

Location: Hybrid, 3-4 days per week in Leeds office

Reports to: Operations Manager

About Anstar:

Founded in 2018, Anstar is a rapidly growing speciality chemicals distributor with offices in Leeds (HQ), London and New York. We act as a commercial and technical bridge between leading Asian manufacturers and global markets. We are a global leader in UV-curing materials and are expanding into nutraceuticals, food ingredients and other speciality chemicals. Our culture is lean, ambitious and execution-focused, combining entrepreneurial agility with strong technical and commercial expertise.

The Opportunity:

Anstar is growing quickly and is looking for a Chinese-speaking, self-motivated, and enthusiastic Operations Associate to strengthen our operations function across purchasing, logistics, supply chain and customer service. This is a hands-on role with significant exposure to international suppliers, customers, freight partners and warehousing. The successful candidate will play an important part in ensuring orders, stock and shipments move efficiently through the business, while helping to improve processes as Anstar continues to scale.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a fast-growing international business where you will be given genuine responsibility and the opportunity to directly influence how our operations function develops.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Order & Customer Operations:

• Process customer orders and associated documentation, including SOs, dispatch notes, invoices and COAs
• Liaise with customers regarding order status, availability, delivery dates and operational issues
• Coordinate customer samples and maintain sample stock records

Purchasing, Logistics & Supply Chain:

• Coordinate purchasing with domestic and international suppliers
• Arrange and monitor road, sea and air freight with freight forwarders, couriers and warehouses
• Support import/export documentation, customs requirements and Incoterms
• Liaise closely with Anstar's third-party warehouses to ensure accurate and timely dispatch
• Track inbound shipments and proactively resolve delays or discrepancies

Inventory Planning

• Monitor stock levels, customer demand and incoming supply
• Support demand forecasting and replenishment planning
• Maintain accurate inventory, lot and product information within ERP systems

Systems, Data & Finance Support

• Maintain accurate customer, supplier, sales and logistics records within Business Central (ERP)/ CRM systems
• Support customer credit control, including payment follow-up and credit checks where required
• Produce and maintain operational reports and records

Essential requirements for the role:

• Professional fluency in Mandarin Chinese and English, both written and spoken
• Ideally 2+ years' experience within operations, logistics, supply chain, purchasing or a similar commercial environment
• Strong customer and supplier communication skills
• Excellent organisation, accuracy and attention to detail
• Comfortable managing multiple orders, shipments and deadlines simultaneously
• Strong Excel and general Microsoft Office skills
• Experience using ERP or business management systems
• Strong knowledge and use of AI systems, e.g., ChatGPT
• Proactive, commercially aware and comfortable taking ownership of problems through to resolution
• Experience coordinating road, sea and/or air freight
• Experience with dangerous goods transport and storage
• Previous experience within chemicals, speciality materials or a related industry
• Experience with international import/export procedures, customs documentation and Incoterms
• Experience working with global freight forwarders, couriers and third-party logistics providers
• Experience in warehousing, inventory management and stock control
• Experience working for a distributor, importer or agent
• Experience using Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central or a similar ERP system

The interview process will consist of an initial phone call, followed by 2-3 interview rounds.

Equal Opportunity: Anstar is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Website:

HQ: Airedale House, 423 Kirkstall Rd, Leeds, LS4 2EW, UK

Founder & Managing Director: Dr Liangyu Hawkes

We look forward to welcoming talented individuals into our dynamic team.

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