Assistant Buyer

MacFarlane Group; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 23,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading packaging distributor in Wakefield is seeking an Assistant Buyer to join their procurement team. The role involves managing suppliers, sourcing products, and negotiating prices. Full training will be provided, making this a perfect opportunity for candidates looking to start their careers in procurement. Competitive salary and generous benefits package included.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Contributory pension scheme

Employee discount scheme

Qualifications

• No prior experience in procurement or purchasing is necessary.
• Full training on systems and products will be provided.
• Pathway for professional development available.

Responsibilities

• Help to manage a large portfolio of suppliers.
• Sourcing and negotiating with existing suppliers.
• Ensure products adhere to quality and best practices.

Skills

Supplier management

Negotiation skills

Statistical analysis

Communication

Job description

Overview

Assistant Buyer | Wakefield

Package: Basic salary up to £23,000 plus bonus and flexible benefits package including up to 27 days holiday (plus additional annual leave purchasing scheme). Sector: Packaging distribution. The Company: We, the UK’s largest packaging distributor, have an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Buyer to join our procurement team based in Wakefield. We are an equal opportunities employer that champions dignity in the workplace. Our focus is to provide customers with fully integrated and innovative packaging solutions, augmented by outstanding customer service. Our procurement function is a vital part of our solution offering and we continually invest in the professional development of our team, including CIPS accredited training.

The Assistant Buyer role sits as a member of our local procurement team, supporting the site at which you are based whilst upholding the company-wide National procurement strategy. Your appointment to this position will be integral to the overall success of our business, as you will coordinate the management and development of the regional supplier base. No prior experience in procurement or purchasing is necessary as full training on systems and products can be offered, with a clear pathway for development provided.

Responsibilities

• Help to manage a large portfolio of suppliers


• Sourcing and negotiating with existing suppliers, challenging prices where relevant


• Ensure products adhere to quality, service and best-practice initiatives


• Liaise with sales and logistics internally, ensuring good communication at all times


• Manage performance and forge good working relationships with the supplier base


• Assist with tendering activity, product enquiries and ad-hoc project work


• Purchasing of standard and bespoke stock items


• Carrying out supplier benchmarking activities


• Reporting and statistical analysis of product usage


• Uphold company procurement strategy and adhere to best practice


• Maximise profit and minimise risk to the business where possible


• Stock control and office administration activities

Benefits and Additional Information

• 25 days annual leave (rising to 27 days with service) plus all public/bank holidays


• Additional Holiday purchasing scheme (run annually)


• Contributory pension scheme


• Free parking at the majority of site locations


• Annual company-paid volunteering day


• Range of company cars or cash allowance (including hybrid/electric) for qualifying roles


• Employee assistance program to support well-being and any issues


• Extensive training/development and potential progression opportunities


• Employee discount scheme on major retail/leisure brands


• Health benefits options (Simply Health/Dental or BUPA for qualifying roles)


• Enhanced HR policies relating to employee rights and entitlements


• Long service awards (5–40 years)


• Charitable giving options


• Financial support with eye-tests and purchasing glasses (DSE users)


• O2 mobile discount scheme (up to 25% off)


• Candidate referral scheme (awards £750 for referring successful applicants)