Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sustainable procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking manufacturing company focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on supply chain efficiency and sustainability while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team that values quality and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Wolviston Management Services are proud to be supporting our client in the appointment of a Materials Buyer. This is a key role within a fast‑paced manufacturing environment, responsible for the strategic procurement of direct materials. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring continuity of supply while driving cost efficiency, quality, sustainability and innovation. Working closely with cross‑functional teams, you will support business growth through robust sourcing strategies and strong supplier partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver effective procurement strategies for packaging and printed materials.
- Drive sustainable and innovative packaging solutions aligned with environmental and business objectives.
- Identify, evaluate and manage supplier relationships to ensure long‑term performance and reliability.
- Negotiate commercial contracts and service agreements to secure best value and competitive terms.
- Monitor supplier performance, implementing continuous improvement initiatives where required.
- Collaborate with Planning and Production to maintain accurate forecasts and ensure continuity of supply.
- Manage stock levels to minimise risk of shortages or excess inventory.
- Analyse market trends and pricing to identify savings and mitigate cost pressures.
- Deliver measurable cost reductions without compromising quality, compliance or service levels.
- Act as the internal subject matter expert for packaging procurement.
- Work closely with Production, Warehousing, Distribution and NPD teams to meet operational and development needs.
- Ensure full compliance with company policies, ethical standards and industry regulations, including BRC‑GS for Packaging Materials.
- Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks.
- Produce regular reports covering procurement activity, supplier performance, sustainability metrics, purchase price variance and cost savings.
- Present insights, recommendations and improvement plans to senior management.
Quality
- Operate in line with the company Quality Policy and procedures.
- Ensure all suppliers remain compliant with packaging standards.
- Proactively identify opportunities to enhance and improve quality systems and processes.
Health & Safety
- Comply fully with the company Health & Safety at Work Policy.
- Ensure equipment is used correctly and maintained appropriately.
- Report any safety concerns or infringements promptly.
- Understand and follow correct handling procedures for potentially hazardous products.
Housekeeping
- Adhere to all company hygiene and housekeeping standards.
- Maintain a clean, safe and organised working environment.
- Take responsibility for minimising waste and conserving energy.
- Wear and maintain all issued uniform and PPE to the required standard.
Communication
- Communicate clearly, accurately and professionally with colleagues at all levels.
- Provide timely and relevant updates to the senior leadership team and board as required.
Security
- Comply with all company security procedures, including IT and data security policies.
- Report any unauthorised access, damage or theft immediately.
This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially astute procurement professional to take ownership of a critical function, offering autonomy, influence and the chance to make a tangible impact within a growing and forward‑thinking business.
Materials Buyer employer: Wolviston Management Services
Contact Detail:
Wolviston Management Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Materials Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Materials Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. We suggest you come armed with examples of how you've driven cost efficiency and sustainability in past roles. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. We recommend mentioning something specific from your conversation to remind them why you’re the ideal candidate for the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Materials Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Materials Buyer role. Highlight your experience in procurement, supplier management, and any relevant achievements that align with the job description. 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 procurement and how your skills can help us drive sustainability and innovation. Keep it engaging and relevant to the role.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on measurable achievements. Did you negotiate a great contract or implement a cost-saving strategy? We love numbers, so share those successes to grab our attention!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wolviston Management Services
✨Know Your Materials
Before the interview, brush up on the types of materials relevant to the role. Understand the latest trends in sustainable packaging and how they align with business objectives. This will show your potential employer that you're not just interested in the job, but also passionate about the industry.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've successfully led. Be ready to discuss how you secured better terms or improved supplier relationships. This is crucial for a Materials Buyer role, so highlight your ability to drive cost efficiency while maintaining quality.
✨Understand Cross-Functional Collaboration
Familiarise yourself with how procurement interacts with other departments like Production and NPD. Be prepared to discuss how you would work with these teams to ensure continuity of supply and meet operational needs. This demonstrates your ability to be a team player in a fast-paced environment.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Since compliance with industry regulations is key, review the BRC-GS for Packaging Materials standards. Be ready to explain how you would ensure suppliers meet these requirements and how you would handle any compliance issues that arise. This shows your commitment to quality and safety.
