Knight Optical UK Ltd is a precision scientific optical component supplier and manufacturer based in Harrietsham, Kent. We are a fast paced, fast growing company that prides itself on customer service and quality products.

This is a temporary position, initially on a 6 month term to cover a period of maternity absence with the possibility of extension.

Reporting to the Financial Controller, the role is varied and requires an individual who is pro-active, hands on who can provide a comprehensive and flexible service to the business.

Liaising internally with all departments we seek a candidate who is friendly and approachable with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Main Purpose of the Job:

Primary focus will be to support the operational areas of Supply Chain and Purchasing to ensure products are efficiently moved through the ordering to distribution stages in order to meet customer requirements within agreed lead times.
Additional requirements will focus on credit control to ensure cash based working capital is efficiently maintained for the company to meet its short term obligations. While this isn’t an accounting role, previous credit control experience would be seen as an advantage.

Key Responsibilities

Purchasing

• Liaise with the sales team effectively to track and co-ordinate product requirements.
• Place purchase orders in compliance with negotiated terms and monitor lead times.
• Evaluate minimum order quantities to ensure maximum profitability and positive cash flow for the business.
• Proactively follow up with suppliers on overdue purchase orders.
• Maintain and improve communication with customers and suppliers to ensure business relationships are enhanced.
• Liaise with QA and Metrology on faulty parts and communicate to suppliers on decisions for replacements or credit notes required.

Administration

• Assistance in running daily and weekly reports required by the sales team.
• Maintaining up to date supplier and customer database records.
• Maintaining accurate notes and records.
• Other Ad Hoc duties as required to support the needs of the business.

Credit Control

• Maintenance of customer accounts within the agreed payment terms and credit limits.
• Chasing customer payments via telephone and email.
• Maintaining effective liaison with a range of customers.
• Updating the aged receivables and maintain the allocation of receipts to customer accounts.
• Raising Invoices/credit notes and journals as required.
• Providing aged reports on a weekly basis for the FC & CEO including commentary.

Skills and Experience

• Competent with MS Outlook, Excel, Word.
• SAP/SAP B1 experience is advantageous.
• Experience in supply chain/purchasing or credit control environments.
• Ability to take ownership of activities and map out creative solutions for effective problem solving.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

Please forward CV’s, covering letters and contact details via the apply online button