At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage stock levels, forecast demand, and optimise inventory for a leading packaging company.
- Company: Join Macfarlane Packaging, a market leader with over 75 years of expertise.
- Benefits: Up to £30,000 salary, 27 days holiday, flexible benefits, and career development.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture with opportunities for growth and recognition.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role that drives efficiency and supports sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in inventory control, strong analytical skills, and excellent attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: Horsham (Oakhurst Business Park, Southwater)
Package: Basic salary up to £30,000 (dependent on experience) plus bonus & flexible benefits package including up to 27 days holiday (plus bank holidays & additional annual leave purchasing scheme)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday
Sector: Packaging Distribution
At Macfarlane Packaging, we're in the business of protecting what matters - our people, our customers, and the planet. With over 75 years of industry expertise, we combine the strength of a market leader with the pace and energy of a commercial, sales-led business. If you enjoy working with data, driving efficiencies, and playing a key role in operational performance, this is an opportunity to make a real impact.
The Role:
As our Buyer, you'll take ownership of stock management across our site, ensuring the right products are available at the right time while balancing working capital, space utilisation, and margin. Working closely with procurement, sales, and logistics teams, you'll use data and insight to forecast demand, manage stock levels, and identify opportunities to improve performance. This is a highly visible, cross-functional role where accuracy, organisation, and commercial awareness are key.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Manage stock levels across allocated sites, ensuring availability aligns with customer demand and service levels
- Forecast inventory requirements using data and customer insight to optimise stock holding
- Monitor and manage aged, excess, and slow-moving stock to improve margin and reduce waste
- Raise and manage purchase orders for both standard and non-standard items
- Expedite orders and resolve supply or cost issues to maintain continuity and control spend
- Maintain accurate inventory records, ensuring strong data integrity across systems
- Manage Goods In schedules and oversee accurate Goods Received Notes (GRNs)
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and service levels with suppliers to ensure best value and performance
- Support tender processes to secure favourable commercial terms
- Work closely with sales, procurement, and logistics teams to align stock planning with customer needs
- Build strong relationships across departments and with suppliers to support effective supply chain performance
What We're Looking For:
- Experience working in an inventory control, stock management, or supply chain role
- Strong analytical and numerical skills, with confidence working with data and Excel
- Excellent attention to detail and a structured, organised approach
- Ability to prioritise and manage workload in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally
- Proactive mindset with the ability to identify issues and implement solutions
- Comfortable managing a large SKU range across multiple product categories
Desirable:
- Previous experience in a distribution or logistics environment
- Understanding of inventory management principles and KPIs
Why Join Macfarlane:
We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you both professionally and personally, including:
- 25 days holiday (rising to 27 with service) plus bank holidays
- Additional holiday purchasing scheme
- Contributory pension scheme
- Flexible benefits package including healthcare options
- Employee assistance programme to support wellbeing
- Ongoing training and career development opportunities
- Employee discounts across major retail and leisure brands
- Annual volunteering day
- Long service awards and recognition schemes
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 be supported to develop your career within a business that values continuous improvement and internal mobility.
Next Steps/How to Apply:
We are working swiftly to find the best applicants and hope to hold local interviews ASAP. 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. No recruitment agencies please.
Supply Chain Specialist (home-based) in Horsham employer: Macfarlane Packaging
Contact Detail:
Macfarlane Packaging Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Specialist (home-based) in Horsham
✨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 role thoroughly. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who genuinely cares about the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your achievements effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain Specialist (home-based) in Horsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Supply Chain Specialist. Highlight your experience in inventory control and stock management, and don’t forget to sprinkle in those analytical skills we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about supply chain management and how your previous experiences make you the perfect fit for our team at Macfarlane Packaging.
Show Off Your Data Skills: Since this role involves working with data, be sure to mention any relevant tools or software you’ve used, especially Excel. We want to see how you can leverage data to drive efficiencies and improve performance!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on the path to joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Macfarlane Packaging
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Supply Chain Specialist, you'll be working with data daily. Brush up on your analytical skills and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive efficiencies in previous roles. Bring examples of how you forecasted demand or managed stock levels effectively.
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Buyer at Macfarlane Packaging. Familiarise yourself with inventory management principles and KPIs. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to work across various departments. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with procurement, sales, or logistics teams. Be ready to share how you built relationships to enhance supply chain performance.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and how success is measured in this role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you determine if the company is the right fit for you.