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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in purchasing decisions and manage supplier relationships daily.
- Company: Join a leading packaging distribution company focused on sustainability and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and up to 27 days holiday.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team that values people and the planet.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just bring your enthusiasm and skills!
- Other info: Flexible benefits package available, including an annual leave purchasing scheme.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 30000 £ per year.
Overview
Location: Estover, Plymouth
Salary: £28,000-£30,000 (dependent on experience) + bonus and flexible benefits (including up to 27 days holiday + holiday purchase scheme)
Hours: 37.5 per week, Monday-Friday
Sector: Packaging distribution
Protecting What Matters, Together
At Macfarlane Packaging, we protect what matters most – our people, our customers, our communities and the environment. Our commitment to customer service, sustainability and continuous improvement creates a collaborative and supportive workplace where you can build a career that grows with you.
With over 75 years of industry expertise, we combine stability with ambition. Ours is a fast-paced, results-focused environment that will challenge and stretch you – but also provide genuine opportunities for development, progression and long-term career satisfaction.
We offer competitive pay, performance incentives and a flexible benefits package, alongside a culture that supports work-life balance. If you value teamwork, accountability, adaptability and continuous learning, we would love to hear from you.
The Assistant Buyer Role
As an Assistant Buyer based at our Plymouth site, you will play an important role within our local procurement team, supporting site operations while aligning with the wider national procurement strategy. You will help manage and develop the regional supplier base, ensuring products and services are sourced competitively, delivered reliably, and aligned to business objectives.
This is a varied and commercially focused role in a fast-moving distribution environment, offering excellent exposure to supplier management, negotiation and procurement best practice.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and develop a broad portfolio of suppliers, building strong and effective working relationships
- Source products and negotiate pricing, service levels and terms to ensure best value for the business
- Monitor supplier performance against agreed quality, service and cost standards
- Support tendering activities, product sourcing enquiries and ad-hoc procurement projects
- Purchase both standard and non-standard stock items in line with operational requirements
- Carry out supplier benchmarking and market comparisons to drive continuous improvement
- Produce reports and analysis to support procurement decisions and performance tracking
- Support stock control, purchasing administration and system accuracy
- Work closely with internal departments including sales, operations and logistics to ensure supply meets demand
- Uphold procurement policies and contribute to risk reduction, cost control and margin improvement
What You Will Bring
We welcome applications from candidates with at least one year of commercial buying or procurement experience, ideally within a fast-paced, sales-led or distribution environment.
You Will Also Demonstrate
- Experience of supplier interaction, price negotiation and purchasing administration
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally
- Good commercial awareness and the confidence to challenge constructively
- The ability to manage multiple priorities and work to deadlines
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office; experience with procurement or ERP systems is advantageous
- A proactive, organised and detail-focused approach
- CIPS study or accreditation is beneficial but not essential – we offer support and development towards professional qualifications.
Our Benefits
- 25 days annual leave (rising to 27 with service) plus bank holidays
- Annual holiday purchase scheme
- Contributory pension scheme
- Free parking at most sites
- Company-paid volunteering day
- Employee assistance programme
- Extensive training, development and progression opportunities
- Employee discounts with major retailers and leisure brands
- Health and dental cover options
- Enhanced family-friendly and wellbeing policies
- Long service awards
- Charitable giving options
- Eye test and glasses support (for DSE users)
- O2 mobile discount scheme
- £750 employee referral scheme
How To Apply
We are moving quickly to appoint the right candidate and hope to begin interviews soon. To apply, please click Apply and submit your up-to-date CV.
All applications will be acknowledged. If you do not hear from us within 2-3 weeks, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team.
No recruitment agencies please
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Assistant Buyer employer: Macfarlane Packaging
Contact Detail:
Macfarlane Packaging Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Research the packaging distribution sector thoroughly. Understanding current trends, challenges, and key players in the industry will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of buying and procurement. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even refer you to opportunities within companies like ours.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your analytical skills and experience with inventory management. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed stock levels or contributed to cost-saving initiatives in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with our company values and mission. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with ours will show that you're not just looking for any job, but that you're genuinely interested in contributing to our goals at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and required skills for the Assistant Buyer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience in purchasing or buying roles. Use bullet points to make it easy to read and focus on achievements that demonstrate your skills in negotiation, supplier management, and cost-saving initiatives.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: Your cover letter should complement your CV by providing specific examples of your experience and how it relates to the role. Express your enthusiasm for the company’s mission of protecting what matters and how you can contribute to their goals.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for an Assistant Buyer role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Macfarlane Packaging
✨Research the Company
Before your interview, take some time to learn about the company's values, mission, and recent developments. This will not only help you understand their culture but also allow you to tailor your answers to align with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
As an Assistant Buyer, you'll need strong analytical skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to make purchasing decisions in the past. Bring examples of how your analysis led to cost savings or improved efficiency.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and company culture. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork
Buying roles often require collaboration with various departments. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team setting, highlighting your communication skills and ability to compromise.
