At a Glance
- Tasks: Support sourcing and supply of products, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
- Company: Join Macfarlane Packaging, a leader in packaging distribution with over 75 years of experience.
- Benefits: Up to £30,000 salary, flexible benefits, 27 days holiday, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and training with a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing, strong communication, and negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: Sudbury (Chilton Industrial Estate).
Package: Up to £30,000 annual salary plus bonus and flexible benefits package including up to 27 days holiday (plus bank holidays and an additional annual leave purchasing scheme).
Hours: 37.5 hours, Monday to Friday.
Sector: Packaging distribution. We are dedicated to protecting what matters most – our people, our customers, our communities, and the environment. With over 75 years of history, Macfarlane Packaging offers stability alongside continued growth in a fast‑paced, results‑driven environment that challenges and stretches your skills while providing genuine opportunities for personal and professional development.
As a Buyer within our local procurement team, you will play a key role in supporting the efficient sourcing and supply of products to meet customer demand, sales targets, and profitability objectives. You will work closely with internal teams and suppliers to ensure stock is sourced competitively, delivered on time, and meets required quality standards. You will also contribute to the ongoing development of the supplier base, driving cost efficiencies, improving service levels, and supporting wider procurement strategy 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.
- Build strong product knowledge across packaging solutions.
- Promote effective cross‑functional working across departments and RDCs.
We expect you to be experienced within a fast‑paced purchasing or procurement environment, confident working with suppliers, managing priorities, and supporting commercial decision‑making.
Essential- Experience within a purchasing or procurement role.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills.
- Ability to prioritise workload within a fast‑paced environment.
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
- 18+ months buying experience within a commercial environment.
- 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.
Competitive basic salary with a range of bonus and incentive schemes. Flexible benefits package including up to 27 days holiday (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 usAt Macfarlane Group, you will 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 can also pursue professional development through recognised bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), building a long‑term career in procurement and supply chain.
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.
Buyer in Chilton employer: Macfarlane Packaging
At Macfarlane Packaging, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a competitive salary and a flexible benefits package that includes up to 27 days of holiday and opportunities for professional development. Our supportive work culture fosters personal growth and collaboration, ensuring that every employee can thrive in a fast-paced environment while contributing to our commitment to sustainability and community well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Chilton
✨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 Buyer in Chilton
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.
