Senior Buyer - Cumbernauld, Scotland
Location: Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire (commutable from Glasgow, Falkirk and Stirling)
Package: Basic salary up to £40,000 (dependent on experience) plus bonus & flexible benefits package including up to 27 days holiday (plus bank holidays & additional annual leave purchasing scheme)
Sector: Packaging Distribution & Manufacturing
Build supplier partnerships that drive real commercial impact
At Macfarlane Packaging, we're in the business of protecting what matters - our people, our customers, and the planet. We're equally committed to protecting and developing careers, offering a stable, forward-thinking environment where your contribution is recognised and your progression supported.
With over 75 years of industry expertise, we combine the strength of a market leader with the agility of a fast-paced, sales-led business. If you're an experienced Buyer looking to step into a role with greater influence, autonomy, and visibility - this is your opportunity to make a real impact.
The Role
As our Senior Buyer, you'll support both our Glasgow Regional Distribution Centre and Pitreavie Group manufacturing, while aligning to our national procurement strategy. Reporting to Head of Procurement - Scotland, you'll be managing a diverse supplier base across both operations, you'll take ownership of sourcing, negotiation, and supplier performance - ensuring we deliver the best possible value, service, and quality to our customers.
This is a commercially focused role where your ability to influence suppliers, manage cost, and support operational efficiency will directly contribute to business performance.
What You'll Be Doing
Manage and develop a broad portfolio of suppliers, building strong and effective relationships
Negotiate pricing, terms, and service levels to drive cost efficiencies and maximise margin
Monitor supplier performance, ensuring adherence to quality, service, and best practice standards
Support tender activity, product sourcing, and project-based procurement initiatives
Purchase both standard and non-standard stock items in line with business requirements
Conduct supplier benchmarking and identify opportunities for improvement or consolidation
Analyse data and produce reports to support decision-making and performance tracking
Maintain effective stock control, balancing availability with cost and risk management
Work collaboratively with internal teams to ensure supply chain alignment and responsiveness
What We're Looking For A minimum of two years' experience in a commercial buying or procurement role
Strong negotiation skills with the confidence to challenge suppliers and drive value
Experience working within a fast-paced, commercially driven environment
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Strong analytical ability with experience in reporting and data interpretation
Good commercial awareness with a focus on cost, margin, and risk management
Ability to prioritise and perform effectively under pressure
CIPS qualification (or working towards) is advantageous - full support provided if not already achieved
What You Will Get
We provide a competitive basic salary alongside a rewarding incentive scheme designed to recognise and incentivise success. Our flexible benefits package includes: 25 days annual leave (rising to 27 with service) plus all public/bank holidays
Additional holiday purchase scheme
Contributory pension scheme
Employee assistance programme to support wellbeing
Extensive training and development opportunities
Employee discount scheme (retail and leisure)
Annual paid volunteering day
Simply Health/Dental plan options
Enhanced HR policies and long service awards
Charitable giving options
Financial support with eye tests and glasses (DSE users)
EE mobile discount scheme
Your Future with Us
We're committed to helping our people grow. With structured development pathways, access to industry-recognised training (including CIPS), and genuine opportunities for progression across the wider group, you'll have the support and tools to shape your long-term career.
Next Steps/How to Apply
We are working swiftly to find the best applicants and hope to hold local interviews ASAP. Please click 'apply' to submit your up-to-date CV. All applications will be acknowledged. If you haven't heard from us within a fortnight, please assume your application was unsuccessful.
We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds irrespective of your age, gender, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, gender expression, religion, or sexual orientation. Should you require any specific support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please email our recruitment team directly.
No recruitment agencies please
Senior Buyer in Alexandria employer: Macfarlane Packaging
At Macfarlane Packaging, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Estover, Plymouth, where your career can flourish. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive pay, and a flexible benefits package that includes generous holiday allowances and health support, we foster a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement. Join us to be part of a company that values its people and is committed to making a positive impact in the packaging distribution sector.
