Buyer
Location: Reading (Tilehurst)
Package: Basic salary £34000 - £37000 (dependent on experience) plus bonus and flexible benefits package including up to 27 days holiday (Plus additional annual leave purchasing scheme)
Hours: 37.5 hours, Monday to Friday only
Sector: Packaging distribution


Protecting what matters, together
We`re 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 Reading, 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 organisations competitiveness and profitability.

Please note, training for this role is likely to be at another site for 2-3 days week (expenses will be covered).

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