Assistant Buyer

Assistant BuyerDo you have the following skills, experience and drive to succeed in this role Find out below.Location: Estover, PlymouthSalary: 28,000-30,000 (dependent on experience) + bonus and flexible benefits (including up to 27 days holiday + holiday purchase scheme)Hours: 37.5 per week, Monday-FridaySector: Packaging distributionProtecting what matters, togetherAt Macfarlane Packaging, we protect what matters most - our people, our customers, our communities and the environment. Our commitment to customer service, sustainability and continuous improvement creates a collaborative and supportive workplace where you can build a career that grows with you.With over 75 years of industry expertise, we combine stability with ambition. Ours is a fast-paced, results-focused environment that will challenge and stretch you - but also provide genuine opportunities for development, progression and long-term career satisfaction.We offer competitive pay, performance incentives and a flexible benefits package, alongside a culture that supports work-life balance. If you value teamwork, accountability, adaptability and continuous learning, we would love to hear from you.The Assistant Buyer RoleAs an Assistant Buyer based at our Plymouth site, you will play an important role within our local procurement team, supporting site operations while aligning with the wider national procurement strategy. You will help manage and develop the regional supplier base, ensuring products and services are sourced competitively, delivered reliably, and aligned to business objectives.This is a varied and commercially focused role in a fast-moving distribution environment, offering excellent exposure to supplier management, negotiation and procurement best practice.Key Responsibilities Manage and develop a broad portfolio of suppliers, building strong and effective working relationshipsSource products and negotiate pricing, service levels and terms to ensure best value for the businessMonitor supplier performance against agreed quality, service and cost standardsSupport tendering activities, product sourcing enquiries and ad-hoc procurement projectsPurchase both standard and non-standard stock items in line with operational requirementsCarry out supplier benchmarking and market comparisons to drive continuous improvementProduce reports and analysis to support procurement decisions and performance trackingSupport stock control, purchasing administration and system accuracyWork closely with internal departments including sales, operations and logistics to ensure supply meets demandUphold procurement policies and contribute to risk reduction, cost control and margin improvementWhat You Will BringWe welcome applications from candidates with at least one year of commercial buying or procurement experience, ideally within a fast-paced, sales-led or distribution environment.You will also demonstrate: Experience of supplier interaction, price negotiation and purchasing administrationStrong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work cross-functionallyGood commercial awareness and the confidence to challenge constructivelyThe ability to manage multiple priorities and work to deadlinesStrong IT skills, including Microsoft Office; experience with procurement or ERP systems is advantageousA proactive, organised and detail-focused approachCIPS study or accreditation is beneficial but not essential - we offer support and development towards professional qualifications.Our BenefitsWe offer a competitive salary and bonus, alongside a flexible benefits package that can include: 25 days annual leave (rising to 27 with service) plus bank holidaysAnnual holiday purchase schemeContributory pension schemeFree parking at most sitesCompany-paid volunteering dayEmployee assistance programmeExtensive training, development and progression opportunitiesEmployee discounts with major retailers and leisure brandsHealth and dental cover optionsEnhanced family-friendly and wellbeing policiesLong service awardsCharitable giving optionsEye test and glasses support (for DSE users)O2 mobile discount scheme750 employee referral schemeHow to ApplyWe are moving quickly to appoint the right candidate and hope to begin interviews soon. To apply, please click Apply and submit your up-to-date CV.All applications will be acknowledged. If you do not hear from us within 2-3 weeks, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. xjdpvnf If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team.No recruitment agencies please

Created: 2026-02-08