At a Glance
- Tasks: Support sourcing and supply of products, negotiate with suppliers, and manage purchase orders.
- Company: Join Macfarlane Packaging, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible benefits, up to 27 days holiday, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunities for internal progression and professional development through CIPS.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in procurement with real impact in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Interest in procurement, strong communication skills, and ability to prioritise tasks.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 36000 £ per year.
As our Buyer within our local procurement team, you'll play a key role in supporting the efficient sourcing and supply of products to meet customer demand, sales targets, and profitability objectives. Working closely with internal teams and suppliers, you'll ensure stock is sourced competitively, delivered on time, and meets required quality standards. You'll also contribute to the ongoing development of the supplier base, helping to drive cost efficiencies, improve service levels, and support wider procurement strategy. This is a varied and commercially focused role, offering exposure to supplier negotiation, stock management, and supply chain optimisation within a fast-paced distribution environment.
Key responsibilities
- Support the management and development of the Regional Distribution Centre (RDC) supplier base
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and service levels with suppliers to ensure best value and performance
- Process and manage purchase orders, ensuring timely and cost-effective procurement activity
- Work closely with the Category Manager and Procurement Manager to align with wider procurement strategy
- Source alternative suppliers where required to reduce risk and improve competitiveness
- Monitor supplier performance, addressing any quality or service issues promptly
- Support tender processes to secure favourable commercial terms
- Develop awareness of stock holding costs and take action to minimise excess or obsolete stock
- Collaborate with logistics and warehouse teams to optimise stock availability and flow
You’ll ideally have experience within a fast-paced purchasing or procurement environment and be confident working with suppliers, managing priorities, and supporting commercial decision-making.
Essential
- Genuine interest in developing a career within procurement/purchasing
- Strong communication and negotiation skills
- Ability to prioritise workload within a fast-paced environment
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office
Desirable
- Some prior procurement/purchasing related experience
- Recent graduate with a relevant (analytical) degree
- Experience working with multiple product lines and supplier bases
- Familiarity with systems such as ERP/SAP, Microsoft Dynamics or similar
- CIPS qualification (or interest in working towards this)
- Experience of cross-functional working with sales, logistics, or operations
What you will get
We’re dedicated to protecting what matters most - our people, our customers, our communities, and the environment. At Macfarlane Packaging, our commitment to customer satisfaction, sustainability and continual improvement creates a collaborative, supportive, and friendly workplace where you can unpack a career that grows. With over 75 years of history, we offer stability alongside continued growth. Our fast-paced, results-driven environment will challenge and stretch you, but also provide genuine opportunities for personal and professional development. Every colleague has the chance to influence our success and share in that achievement.
Package: Annual salary up to £36,000 (dependent on experience) plus bonus & flexible benefits package including up to 27 days holiday (plus bank holidays & additional annual leave purchasing scheme)
Hours: 37.5 hours, Monday to Friday
We provide a competitive basic salary alongside a range of bonus and incentive schemes. Our flexible benefits package can include:
- 25 days annual leave (rising to 27 days with service) plus bank holidays
- Additional holiday purchasing scheme
- Contributory pension scheme
- Free parking at most locations
- Annual volunteering day
- Employee assistance programme
- Extensive training and development opportunities
- Employee discount scheme
- Simply Health/Dental or BUPA options for qualifying roles
- Enhanced HR policies and long service awards
- EE mobile discount scheme
- Candidate referral scheme
Your future with us
At Macfarlane Group, you'll have the opportunity to shape your own career. We actively support internal progression and provide structured development pathways, combining in-house expertise with external training partners. You'll also have the opportunity to pursue professional development through recognised bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), helping you to build a long-term career within procurement and supply chain.
Buyer in Reading employer: Macfarlane Group Plc
At Macfarlane Packaging, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work culture that prioritises personal and professional growth. With over 75 years of history, our fast-paced environment not only challenges you but also provides ample opportunities for development, including support for pursuing CIPS qualifications. Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible benefits, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in procurement while working in a company dedicated to sustainability and community well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the procurement field, attend industry events, and connect with potential employers on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its suppliers. Understand their procurement strategy and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals. Show them you mean business!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Whether it's role-playing with a friend or simulating supplier discussions, being confident in negotiations is key for a Buyer. It’s all about getting the best value for the company.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to grow in procurement. Your dream job could be just a click away!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Procurement:Let us know why you're excited about a career in procurement! Share your genuine interest and any relevant experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for the role.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you align with our needs!
Highlight Your Negotiation Skills:Since negotiation is a big part of the Buyer role, give us examples of times you've successfully negotiated terms or resolved conflicts. This will show us you're ready for the challenge!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Macfarlane Group Plc
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Buyer, you'll need to be comfortable with numbers and data. Brush up on your understanding of pricing, stock holding costs, and supplier performance metrics. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're ready to tackle the role head-on.
✨Research the Company and Its Suppliers
Before the interview, take some time to research Macfarlane Packaging and its supplier base. Understanding their procurement strategy and recent developments in the industry will help you ask insightful questions and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Since negotiation is a key part of the Buyer role, think about past experiences where you've had to negotiate or persuade others. Prepare a few examples to share during the interview, highlighting your communication skills and ability to achieve favourable outcomes.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Collaboration is crucial in this role, so be ready to discuss how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Share examples of how you've supported logistics, sales, or operations, and emphasise your ability to prioritise workload in a fast-paced environment.
