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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement operations and manage supplier relationships in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Macfarlane Packaging, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible benefits, and up to 27 days holiday.
- Why this job: Make an impact in procurement while developing your career in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or procurement and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a vibrant team atmosphere.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 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.
- 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.
Assistant Buyer in Plymouth employer: MacFarlane Group
Contact Detail:
MacFarlane Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with yours. This will help you show that you're not just a fit for the role, but for the team too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As an Assistant Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love hearing from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at Macfarlane Packaging.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Buyer role. Highlight your relevant experience in procurement and supplier management, and don’t forget to showcase your negotiation skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our values at Macfarlane Packaging. Let us know what makes you the perfect fit for our fast-paced environment.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t hold back on showcasing your skills! Whether it's your IT proficiency or your ability to manage multiple priorities, make sure we see how you can contribute to our procurement team. Remember, we love a proactive and detail-focused approach!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s quick and easy, and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, we’ll acknowledge all applications, so you won’t be left in the dark!
How to prepare for a job interview at MacFarlane Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you research Macfarlane Packaging and understand their values, especially around sustainability and customer service. Familiarise yourself with the role of an Assistant Buyer and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in supplier management, negotiation, and procurement. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, procurement strategies, and opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
While it’s important to be professional, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. Macfarlane Packaging values teamwork and adaptability, so showing your authentic self can help them see how you’d fit into their collaborative culture.
