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- Tasks: Manage stock levels, forecast demand, and optimise inventory for a leading packaging company.
- Company: Join Macfarlane Packaging, a forward-thinking leader in the industry.
- Benefits: Up to £30,000 salary, 27 days holiday, flexible benefits, and career development.
- Other info: Supportive environment with structured development pathways and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role with opportunities for growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in inventory control and strong analytical skills required.
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. 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 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. 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.
Buyer in Preston employer: Macfarlane Packaging
Contact Detail:
Macfarlane Packaging Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Macfarlane Packaging, their values, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to stock management and data analysis. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows 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 Buyer in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your inventory control and stock management experience, as well as any analytical skills you have. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the Buyer role and how your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention your proactive mindset and ability to work cross-functionally.
Show Off Your Data Skills: Since this role involves working with data, don’t shy away from showcasing your analytical and numerical skills. Mention specific tools or methods you've used in the past to manage stock levels or forecast demand. We love a candidate who can crunch numbers!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, we’ll acknowledge all applications, so you won’t be left hanging!
How to prepare for a job interview at Macfarlane Packaging
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Buyer, you'll be working with data and analytics, so brush up on your numerical skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data in previous roles to forecast demand or manage stock levels. This will show that you understand the importance of data-driven decision-making.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
With a focus on stock management, it's crucial to demonstrate your organisational abilities. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed inventory or improved processes in past positions. Highlighting your attention to detail will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Communicate Cross-Functionally
This role requires collaboration with various teams, so be ready to discuss your experience working cross-functionally. Share specific instances where you’ve built strong relationships with procurement, sales, or logistics teams to achieve common goals.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Negotiating pricing and terms is a key part of being a Buyer. Think about past experiences where you’ve successfully negotiated with suppliers. Prepare to discuss your approach and any challenges you faced, as this will showcase your commercial awareness and proactive mindset.