Anstar Ltd
Operations Associate
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
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 specialty 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 specialty 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
- 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.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
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 organization, 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.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Advantageous/Desirable Qualities
- Experience coordinating road, sea, and/or air freight.
- Experience with dangerous goods transport and storage.
- Previous experience within chemicals, specialty 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
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.
Contact Information
- Website: www.anstar.com
- 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. The Anstar Team
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Location