At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement processes, negotiate with suppliers, and optimise inventory management.
- Company: Join Macfarlane Packaging, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Basic salary up to £34,000, bonus, 25 days leave, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Work-life balance and personal development opportunities in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a collaborative environment while developing your career.
- Qualifications: 18 months buying experience and strong IT skills required.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 34000 £ per year.
Basic salary up to £34,000 (dependent on experience) plus bonus & flexible benefits package including 25 days annual leave. Hours: 37.5 per week, Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm.
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 highly collaborative, supportive, and friendly workplace where you can unpack a career that grows. Our fast-paced, results-driven approach will challenge and often stretch you, but it will also give you opportunities for personal and professional development. We provide competitive pay and personalised incentives, alongside adaptable benefits to make your rewards package go further. Additionally, the way we work prioritises work-life balance and flexibility, empowering our colleagues to manage what is most important to them. Our business values commitment, diligence, teamwork, adaptability, and a thirst for learning so if this sounds like you, come and join us to help drive change that enables businesses to plan for a better future.
The Buyer Role involves working as a member of our local procurement team in Avonmouth. In this role, you will support efficient procurement processes to meet sales and profit targets. Responsibilities shall include sourcing products at competitive prices, ensuring quality, and meeting delivery timelines. Collaborating closely with our internal and sales teams, you will adhere to and uphold our procurement strategies whilst negotiating terms with suppliers to drive operational efficiency. Monitoring market trends and supplier performance, you will identify opportunities for process improvement and cost optimisation, contributing to the organisation's competitiveness and profitability.
Please note, this position is wholly office based and due to the location of our Avonmouth site, own transport is preferred.
Buyer Key Duties:
- Support the management and development of the Regional Distribution Centre (RDC) supplier base to deliver maximum service at the lowest cost.
- Negotiate prices and service agreements with local suppliers to ensure cost-effectiveness and quality standards.
- Liaise with the Category Manager and Procurement Manager to align RDC procurement strategy with company objectives.
- Ensure that RDC purchasing transactions are carried out in a timely and cost-effective manner, administering purchase orders and associated administration efficiently.
- Source alternative suppliers when necessary to diversify supplier base and mitigate risks.
- Monitor quality and service levels regularly to maintain high standards and address any issues promptly.
- Develop awareness of the profit implications of stock holding costs, including redundant and damaged stock, and take appropriate actions to minimise losses.
- Work in partnership with the Logistics and Warehouse team to optimise stock holding volumes and ensure efficient inventory management.
- Develop and maintain a good knowledge of all packaging solutions, sharing insights and expertise with colleagues to enhance collective knowledge.
- Negotiate discounts based on volumes with local suppliers to maximise margin and profitability.
- Experience of working within a fast-paced purchasing environment with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
- Varied exposure to product sourcing across a range of local & national suppliers.
- IT/PC literate with solid competency and working knowledge of Microsoft Office and internet.
- Prior experience of Microsoft Dynamics and/or other sourcing software packages.
- Minimum 18 months buying experience within a commercial purchasing/procurement environment.
- Experience in prior role of close inter-department working (i.e. with sales/purchasing).
We provide a competitive basic starting salary (weighted higher to reflect temporary contract) and operate a range of rewarding bonus/incentive schemes. Our flexible employee benefits package can include approximately 25 days annual leave (rising to 27 days with service) plus all public holidays.
Buyer Procurement Work from Home employer: Macfarlane Packaging
Contact Detail:
Macfarlane Packaging Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer Procurement Work from Home
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend virtual 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 values. Understand their procurement strategies and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a 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 your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer Procurement Work from Home
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buyer role. Highlight your experience in procurement, negotiation skills, and any relevant software knowledge. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about procurement and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills: Since collaboration is key in our workplace, make sure to mention any experiences where you've worked closely with others. We value teamwork, so let us know how you can fit into our friendly environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at Macfarlane Packaging
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of cost-effectiveness and pricing strategies. Brush up on key metrics related to procurement, such as profit margins and stock holding costs. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully negotiated prices in the past.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Collaboration is key in this role, so be prepared to share examples of how you've worked closely with sales or logistics teams. Highlight any experiences where teamwork led to improved procurement processes or successful project outcomes.
✨Stay Ahead of Market Trends
Research current market trends in packaging distribution and be ready to discuss how these could impact procurement strategies. Showing that you’re proactive about industry knowledge will impress your interviewers and demonstrate your commitment to continual improvement.
✨Be Ready to Problem Solve
Think of specific challenges you've faced in previous buying roles and how you overcame them. Whether it was sourcing alternative suppliers or addressing quality issues, having concrete examples will showcase your adaptability and problem-solving skills.