Paper Buyer - Yorkshire - pa;

Salary: £55k to £65k pa (depending on experience)

Our client is a well‑established and growing publishing business, producing high‑quality books, journals, magazines, and printed publications for a diverse customer base. As part of their continued growth, they are seeking an experienced Paper Buyer to take ownership of paper procurement and play a key role in driving commercial performance.

This is not a traditional procurement role centred around rigid contracts and compliance processes. Instead, it is a commercially focused opportunity for an individual who understands the paper market, has strong industry relationships, and can consistently secure the best possible deals.

The business operates a dynamic purchasing model, sourcing paper requirements on a case‑by‑case basis rather than relying exclusively on fixed, long‑term supply agreements.

Publication projects are costed and secured using established paper rate cards, creating a clear commercial opportunity for an experienced buyer to generate additional margin through intelligent sourcing and negotiation.

Once a publishing project is confirmed, you will move quickly to the market, leveraging your network of paper merchants, brokers, mills, and suppliers to secure paper at the most competitive rates available.

Your ability to outperform standard pricing benchmarks will have a direct impact on the profitability of individual projects and the wider business.

• Source paper requirements across a broad range of publishing projects.
• Monitor paper market trends, pricing fluctuations, availability, and supply opportunities.
• Negotiate with paper merchants, brokers, mills, and suppliers to secure advantageous pricing and supply terms.
• Utilise industry contacts and market knowledge to identify spot‑buy opportunities and commercial advantages.
• Work closely with production, editorial, planning, and commercial teams to ensure paper availability aligns with publishing schedules.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships while continually expanding sourcing options.
• Deliver measurable cost savings and margin improvements across the paper spend portfolio.

• Proven experience buying paper within publishing, print, packaging, or a related sector.
• Strong relationships across paper merchants, brokers, mills, and key industry suppliers.
• Commercially minded with excellent negotiation and influencing skills.
• Strong understanding of paper grades, specifications, market dynamics, and supply chains.
• Able to make informed decisions quickly in a fast‑moving environment.
• Results‑driven with a track record of achieving cost savings and commercial gains.

This is a rare opportunity to join a publishing business where procurement is viewed as a strategic commercial function rather than an administrative one.

We’re looking for someone who understands the paper market, thrives on negotiation, and enjoys turning market intelligence and supplier relationships into tangible profit. Success in this role comes from being proactive, commercially aware, and confident in securing opportunities that others may miss.