Buyer

Macfarlane Group; Horsham; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Contributory pension

Flexible benefits

Employee assistance programme

Training and career development

Employee discounts

Long service awards

Job summary

Macfarlane Packaging in Horsham is seeking a Buyer to own stock management across site operations, balancing working capital, space and margin. You will forecast demand using data and collaborate with procurement, sales and logistics to optimize stock levels and performance.

The role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail and the ability to work cross-functionally to improve efficiency and drive business results.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and numerical skills with data handling experience.
• Proficient in Excel and data analysis techniques.
• Excellent attention to detail and structured, organised approach.
• Ability to prioritise and manage workload in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong cross-functional communication and proactive problem-solving.
• Experience in inventory management, stock control, or supply chain roles.

Responsibilities

• Manage stock levels across allocated sites to meet demand and service levels.
• Forecast inventory requirements using data and customer insight.
• Monitor aged, excess, and slow-moving stock to improve margin and reduce waste.
• Raise and manage purchase orders for standard and non-standard items.
• Expedite orders and resolve supply or cost issues to maintain continuity and control spend.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and ensure data integrity across systems.
• Oversee Goods In schedules and GRNs to ensure accurate receipts.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and service levels with suppliers for value.
• Support tender processes to secure favorable terms.
• Collaborate with sales, procurement and logistics to align stock planning with customer needs.

Skills

Analytical skills

Excel

Attention to detail

Organised

Prioritisation

Cross-functional communication

Proactive mindset

Inventory management

Supply chain experience

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Location: Horsham (Oakhurst Business Park, Southwater)

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

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday

Sector: Packaging Distribution

Optimise stock, drive efficiency, and support business performance

At Macfarlane Packaging, we’re in the business of protecting what matters - our people, our customers, and the planet. We’re equally committed to protecting and developing careers, offering a stable, forward-thinking environment where your contribution is recognised and your progression supported.

With over 75 years of industry expertise, we combine the strength of a market leader with the pace and energy of a commercial, sales-led business. If you enjoy working with data, driving efficiencies, and playing a key role in operational performance, this is an opportunity to make a real impact.

The Role: Buyer

As our Buyer, you’ll take ownership of stock management across our site, ensuring the right products are available at the right time while balancing working capital, space utilisation, and margin.

Working closely with procurement, sales, and logistics teams, you’ll use data and insight to forecast demand, manage stock levels, and identify opportunities to improve performance. This is a highly visible, cross-functional role where accuracy, organisation, and commercial awareness are key.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Manage stock levels across allocated sites, ensuring availability aligns with customer demand and service levels
• Forecast inventory requirements using data and customer insight to optimise stock holding
• Monitor and manage aged, excess, and slow-moving stock to improve margin and reduce waste
• Raise and manage purchase orders for both standard and non-standard items
• Expedite orders and resolve supply or cost issues to maintain continuity and control spend
• Maintain accurate inventory records, ensuring strong data integrity across systems Manage Goods In schedules and oversee accurate Goods Received Notes (GRNs)
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and service levels with suppliers to ensure best value and performance.
• Support tender processes to secure favourable commercial terms
• Work closely with sales, procurement, and logistics teams to align stock planning with customer needs
• Build strong relationships across departments and with suppliers to support effective supply chain performance

What We’re Looking For

• Strong analytical and numerical skills, with confidence working with data and Excel
• Excellent attention to detail and a structured, organised approach
• Ability to prioritise and manage workload in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally
• Proactive mindset with the ability to identify issues and implement solutions
• Comfortable managing a large SKU range across multiple product categories
• Any prior experience working in an inventory control, stock management, purchasing or supply chain role
• Previous experience in a distribution or logistics environment
• Understanding of inventory management principles and KPIs

Why Join Macfarlane?

• 25 days holiday (rising to 27 with service) plus bank holidays
• Contributory pension scheme
• Flexible benefits package including healthcare options
• Employee assistance programme to support wellbeing
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities
• Employee discounts across major retail and leisure brands
• Long service awards and recognition schemes

Your Future with Us

We’re committed to helping our people grow. With structured development pathways, access to industry-recognised training (including CIPS), and genuine opportunities for progression across the wider group, you’ll be supported to develop your career within a business that values continuous improvement and internal mobility.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds irrespective of your age, gender, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, gender expression, religion, or sexual orientation. Should you require any specific support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please email our recruitment team directly.