Customer Services Manager - Chemicals

Our Client manufactures and distributes chemicals. They currently have a vacancy for a Customer Services Manager. This position is a full-time permanent role and will be office based in Ascot, Berkshire (with working from home on a Friday). Job Purpose This role has responsibilities across three SME companies. The role has two main functions: * To manage purchasing and order processing for one of the SME companies (a distributor of chemical ingredients for the personal care and pharma industries) * To provide cover and supervision for two experienced reports for the other two SME companies. You will need to be very detail orientated, calm under pressure and enjoy working in an entrepreneurial environment. Key Responsibilities * To manage the purchase process for one of the SME companies from raising purchase orders for stock, through to delivery and invoicing, ensuring swift, efficient and accurate service * Ensure relevant documentation is supplied to approved 3rd party Customs Agent for all imports and to check that these have been processed accordingly * Manage the order processing for one of the SME companies to ensure smooth communication with customers and resolution of issues as they arise * Liaise with warehouses to ensure stock and delivery performance are maintained, including agreed security stocks within the levels formally agreed to ensure continuity of supply * Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers, warehouses and hauliers * Obtain and check quotes, bookings and tracking of third-party freight where relevant * Raise and progress incident reports for any non-conformances, complaints, late or damaged deliveries etc. * Uphold payment procedures and policies that ensure timely payment. * To monitor transport and warehousing costs, identify and implement opportunities for cost savings * Provide cover for other members of the Customer Services Team, working flexibly across order processing and purchasing * Check and troubleshoot the work of two reports, ensuring that mistakes are minimised and that customers receive OTIF orders * Train any new reports Qualifications and Experience Successful Candidates will have: * Experience working in an order processing / purchasing role, dealing directly with B2B customers (Essential) * Experience using ERP software e.g. Business Central (Desirable) and Microsoft Excel (Essential) * Experience working in an import / export business with a good understanding of post-Brexit rules (Essential) * Experience managing direct reports * Be highly organised with an ability to manage their time and prioritise effectively * Attention to detail and accuracy are key as is the ability to work well under pressure and to tight deadlines * Be a lively, engaging person who enjoys working as part of a close-knit team * Candidates must have a full UK Driving Licence. How to Excel in this Role * Be a can-do person who is happy to get stuck in to get the job done * Be able to sensitively manage long-serving employees * Complete every task, however minor, with the same level of accuracy and attention to detail * Manage the peaks and troughs of orders effectively * Be able to juggle the priorities of different sales teams * Generate compliments from customers and colleagues In return our Client is offering a basic salary of £45,000 - £50,000 per annum plus benefits. (Salary is negotiable and dependent on relevant experience). Please e-mail your C.V to Lorraine Roger, Director at Atom Recruitment Ltd