Purchase Assistant

Role Overview

Purchase Assistant at Hempel, based at the factory in Mina Abdullah Industrial Area, Kuwait.

Company Overview

Hempel is a global community of 7,500 colleagues around the world. The company is committed to creating a workplace built on shared trust, mutual respect, and support. Hempel is majority owned by the Hempel Foundation, dedicated to philanthropic activities, with earnings contributing to charitable initiatives annually. The company is on a mission to double its impact and values inclusion as key to innovation.

Role Purpose

Partner to ensure high customer satisfaction through effective procurement, inventory control, and supply chain coordination, supporting uninterrupted supply to business operations.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement and Order Management

• Take ownership of end-to-end procurement and import logistics activities for Raw Materials, Packaging Materials, and Finished Goods, ensuring uninterrupted supply to support business operations.
• Process purchase orders, manage supplier communications, and ensure timely follow-up on deliveries, documentation, and order fulfillment.
• Coordinate closely with the Regional Procurement team to execute local material management strategies, purchasing agreements, sourcing activities, and daily procurement operations for the Kuwait plant.

Supplier and Stakeholder Management

• Build strong relationships with suppliers through proactive engagement and follow-up performance to ensure service reliability, quality, and on-time delivery.
• Collaborate across functions and with external partners to ensure a seamless supply chain and exceptional service levels for internal and external customers.
• Lead periodic inventory review discussions with Sales and other stakeholders to maximize stock utilization and improve inventory health.

Import Logistics and Documentation

• Monitor inbound shipments and work closely with clearing agents, logistics providers, and customs authorities to ensure smooth clearance and timely receipt of imported materials.
• Review and verify all import and supplier documentation to ensure compliance with internal procedures and regulatory requirements.

Inventory and Demand Planning

• Analyze demand forecasts, inventory levels, and replenishment requirements, while collaborating with Demand Planning, Sales, and Production teams to maintain optimal stock availability and business continuity.
• Develop and maintain replenishment plans for imported raw materials, packaging materials, and finished goods, balancing inventory availability with working capital efficiency.
• Ensure accurate inventory control and stock visibility across all warehouse locations, identifying and addressing discrepancies in a timely manner.

Reporting and Analysis

• Prepare and maintain procurement, inventory, import order, and stock performance reports to support effective decision-making.

Operations and Warehouse Coordination

• Coordinate with warehouse and operations teams to ensure timely receiving, storage, inventory posting, palletization, and material movement across facilities.

Risk Management and Continuous Improvement

• Proactively identify, communicate, and escalate supply chain risks, material shortages, shipment delays, or inventory challenges, while recommending practical corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on logistics efficiency, inventory optimization, and cost reduction, while minimizing excess, slow-moving, and obsolete stock.

Compliance and Standards

• Ensure all procurement and supply chain activities are conducted in accordance with Group Procurement policies, company procedures, and Health, Safety & Environment standards.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in commerce or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in logistics, supply chain, inventory management, or import operations.

Skills & Competencies

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Experience with ERP systems is preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Arabic is a plus.
• Strong analytical, planning, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Information

• Reports to the Warehouse Manager.
• Application deadline: 15 August 2026.
• Interviews will take place 1–2 weeks after the application deadline.
• Submit application letter with CV in English via the employer's application link.