At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships, negotiate deals, and drive cost efficiencies.
- Company: Macfarlane Packaging, a leader in packaging distribution with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Up to £40,000 salary, 27 days holiday, flexible benefits, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Supportive environment with training opportunities and commitment to employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role with opportunities for career growth.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and analytical abilities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
Senior Buyer - Cumbernauld, Scotland
Are you ready to apply Make sure you understand all the responsibilities and tasks associated with this role before proceeding.
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. xiskglj 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 Paisley 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Paisley
✨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 Senior Buyer in Paisley
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.
