At a Glance
- Tasks: Support sourcing and supply of products, ensuring customer demand is met efficiently.
- Company: Join Macfarlane Packaging, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Up to £30,000 salary, bonus, 27 days holiday, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with clear pathways to advancement.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in procurement with real growth opportunities and training.
- Qualifications: 12-18 months experience in commercial or purchasing roles preferred.
Location: Sudbury (Chilton Industrial Estate)
Package: Up to £30,000 annual salary 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
Sector: Packaging distribution
Protecting what matters, together. 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 whilst continuing to grow. Our fast-paced, results-driven environment will challenge and stretch you, but also provide genuine opportunities for development. Every colleague has the chance to contribute to our success and build a rewarding long-term career.
The Assistant Buyer Role: As an Assistant Buyer within our local procurement team, you’ll support the effective sourcing and supply of products, helping to ensure customer demand is met in a timely and cost-efficient manner.
Working closely with Buyers, senior stakeholders, and suppliers, you’ll play an important role in day-to-day purchasing activity, supplier coordination, and stock management. This is an ideal opportunity for someone with some buying or commercial experience who is looking to develop their career further within procurement.
You’ll gain exposure to supplier negotiations, tender activity, and procurement strategy, with clear opportunities to grow your skills and take on increased responsibility over time.
Key responsibilities:
- Support the management and development of the local supplier base
- Assist with sourcing products and negotiating pricing and service levels with suppliers
- Raise and manage purchase orders, ensuring timely and cost-effective procurement
- Monitor supplier performance, supporting resolution of any quality or service issues
- Assist with tender activity, product enquiries, and ad-hoc project work
- Carry out supplier benchmarking and support reporting and analysis activities
- Develop an understanding of stock holding costs and take action to minimise waste and inefficiencies
- Support stock control activities and ensure accurate administration
- Build strong working relationships across procurement, sales, and logistics teams
- Contribute to the delivery of procurement strategy and wider business objectives
What you will bring: We’re looking for someone with some prior exposure to a commercial, purchasing, or supply chain environment who is keen to build a career within procurement.
Essential:
- Around 12-18+ months experience within a commercial, purchasing, or buying role
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Good attention to detail and organisational ability
- Confident IT skills, including Microsoft Office
- A proactive, flexible approach and willingness to learn
Desirable:
- Previous experience supporting supplier negotiations
- Exposure to working with multiple product lines or supplier bases
- Experience of cross-functional working (sales, logistics, operations)
- CIPS qualification (or interest in working towards this)
What you will get: We provide a competitive basic salary alongside a bonus scheme. 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, we actively support internal progression and development. This role offers a clear pathway into Buyer and Senior Buyer positions, supported by structured training and access to recognised qualifications such as the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS). You’ll be part of a business that invests in its people and provides the tools and opportunities to build a 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 two weeks, 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.
Locations
Assistant Buyer in Chilton, Suffolk employer: Macfarlane Packaging
Gottlieb Packaging Materials, part of Macfarlane Group plc, is an excellent employer located in Trafford Park, Manchester, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide comprehensive training and development opportunities, alongside competitive salaries and benefits, including 25 days of annual leave and a company pension scheme. Our collaborative culture encourages long-term career progression, making it an ideal place for individuals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the packaging distribution sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer in Chilton, Suffolk
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Macfarlane Packaging.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer in Chilton, Suffolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Macfarlane Packaging:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Macfarlane Packaging. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Macfarlane Packaging.
How to prepare for a job interview at Macfarlane Packaging
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Macfarlane Packaging!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Macfarlane Packaging. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Macfarlane Packaging's culture.
