Buyer, Business

Buyer Temporary Contract (12 months initially/potential for permanent appointment)

Location:

Avonmouth, Cabot Park Package:
Basic salary up to £32,000 (dependent on experience) plus bonus & flexible benefits package including up to 27 days holiday (Plus additional annual leave purchasing scheme)

Hours:

37.5 per week, Monday Friday, 8:30am 5:00pm Sector:
Packaging distribution Protecting what matters, together Were dedicated to protecting what matters most - our people, our customers, our communities, and the environment. At Macfarlane Packaging, our commitment to customer satisfaction, sustainability and continual improvement creates a highly collaborative, supportive, and friendly workplace where you can unpack a career that grows. With history stretching back over 75 years, we offer stability whilst always striving for continual growth.

Our fast-paced, results-driven approach will challenge and often stretch you, but it will also give you opportunities for personal and professional development. Every colleague has the chance to directly influence our success, leading to real job satisfaction and achievement, at all stages of your career. We provide competitive pay and personalised incentives, alongside adaptable benefits to make your rewards package go further.

And additionally, the way we work prioritises work-life balance and flexibility, empowering our colleagues to manage what is most important to them. Our business values commitment, diligence, teamwork, adaptability, and a thirst for learning so if this sounds like you, come and join us to help drive change that enables businesses to plan for a better future. The Buyer Role Working as a member of our local procurement team in Avonmouth, this is initially a 12-month temporary position, covering for someone who has been seconded elsewhere in our business.

If our colleague decides to stay put, your role could become permanent. In this role, you will support efficient procurement processes to meet sales and profit targets. Responsibilities shall include sourcing products at competitive prices, ensuring quality, and meeting delivery timelines. Collaborating closely with our internal and sales teams, you will adhere to and uphold our procurement strategies whilst negotiating terms with suppliers to drive operational efficiency.

Monitoring market trends and supplier performance, you will identify opportunities for process improvement and cost optimisation, contributing to the organisation's competitiveness and profitability. Please note, this position is wholly office based and due to the location of our Avonmouth site, own transport is preferred. Buyer Key Duties Support the management and development of the Regional Distribution Centre (RDC) supplier base to deliver maximum service at the lowest cost.

Negotiate prices and service agreements with local suppliers to ensure cost-effectiveness and quality standards. Liaise with the Category Manager and Procurement Manager to align RDC procurement strategy with company objectives. Ensure that RDC purchasing transactions are carried out in a timely and cost-effective manner, administering purchase orders and associated administration efficiently. Manage the tender process efficiently to secure competitive pricing and favourable terms from suppliers.

Source alternative suppliers when necessary to diversify supplier base and mitigate risks. Monitor quality and service levels regularly to maintain high standards and address any issues promptly. Develop awareness of the profit implications of stock holding costs, including redundant and damaged stock, and take appropriate actions to minimise losses. Work in partnership with the Logistics and Warehouse team to optimise stock holding volumes and ensure efficient inventory management.

Develop and maintain a good knowledge of all packaging solutions, sharing insights and expertise with colleagues to enhance collective knowledge. Negotiate discounts based on volumes with local suppliers to maximise margin and profitability. Identify potential customers from supplier contacts to explore business opportunities and expand customer base. Promote cooperation between departments and RDCs across the group to enhance operational efficiency and collaboration.

What you will bring The successful applicant will ideally meet with the following criteria Essential:

Experience of working within a fast-paced purchasing environment with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively Varied exposure to product sourcing across a range of local & national suppliers

Experience of negotiating best price & service to secure new supplier arrangements Sound communication skills both verbal and written IT/PC literate with solid competency and working knowledge of Microsoft Office and internet Desirable:
Prior experience of Microsoft Dynamics and/or other sourcing software packages Minimum 18 months buying experience within a commercial purchasing/procurement environment A background of working with…