Assistant Buyer (PI) – Graduate Opportunity
Company: Day Lewis Pharmacy
Location: Croydon
Reporting to: PI Manager
Role Overview
Day Lewis is offering an exciting graduate‑level opportunity for an Assistant Buyer (PI) to begin a career in pharmaceutical purchasing within a large, regulated healthcare organisation. This role is ideal for a motivated graduate with strong analytical and communication skills who is eager to learn buying, supplier management, and commercial negotiation in practice.
The Junior Buyer will support the PI Manager with day‑to‑day purchasing activity, supplier engagement, and system‑based processes, while gaining exposure to the wider commercial and logistics environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Support PI purchasing activities, including order placement and supplier coordination
- Assist with pricing discussions and negotiations with suppliers, under guidance from the PI Manager
- Support and develop understanding of logistics and purchasing systems
- Work with internal teams to maintain continuity of supply and accurate purchasing processes
- Prepare and maintain reports and data analysis to support buying decisions
- Use Microsoft Office and AI‑enabled tools to analyse data and improve efficiency
- Attend industry expos, supplier events, and trade shows, with occasional travel
- Support continuous improvement across purchasing and procurement activities
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Graduate or equivalent qualification (e.g. BSc or similar)
- Strong communication skills with a professional and approachable manner
- Good numerical and analytical ability
- Confident using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
- Positive, proactive attitude with a strong desire to learn and progress
Desirable
- Exposure to purchasing, procurement, or buying (placement, internship, graduate role)
- IQVA experience or familiarity
- Interest in or exposure to negotiation and supplier management
- Understanding of logistics or procurement systems
- Second language
- Previous exposure to pharma or healthcare environments (not essential)
Personal Attributes
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail
- Comfortable working in a regulated and fast‑paced environment
- Strong transferable skills and ability to build relationships
- Professional, collaborative, and credible with suppliers and colleagues
Development & Career Progression
- Structured learning and development within the PI buying team
- Clear career progression opportunities within purchasing at Day Lewis
- Longer‑term opportunities across other buying and commercial departments
Remuneration & Benefits
- Salary: Competitive graduate‑level salary, dependent on experience
- Annual salary review linked to performance and progression
- 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Company pension scheme
- Staff discount across Day Lewis Pharmacy services
- Access to learning and development, including on‑the‑job commercial and buying training
- Exposure to industry events, supplier meetings, and trade expos
- Clear career progression pathway within the purchasing and wider commercial teams
- Hybrid working (where applicable, following probation)
- Travel expenses covered for approved expos and supplier events
- Cycle to Work Scheme