Assistant Buyer

MacFarlane Group; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading packaging distributor in Wakefield is seeking an Assistant Buyer to support the procurement team. This role involves managing supplier relationships, negotiating prices, and ensuring product quality. No prior procurement experience is required as full training will be given. The position offers a salary of up to £23,000 plus bonuses and a flexible benefits package, including generous leave and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Annual volunteering day

Employee discount scheme

Simply Health / Dental Cover option

Extended training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• No prior experience in procurement is necessary.
• Full training on systems and products will be provided.
• A clear pathway for development is available.

Responsibilities

• Manage a large portfolio of suppliers.
• Source and negotiate with suppliers.
• Ensure products meet quality and service standards.
• Liaise with internal teams for effective communication.
• Assist with tendering and project work.

Skills

Supplier management

Negotiation skills

Quality assurance

Communication

Statistical analysis

Job description

Assistant Buyer

Location : Wakefield

Package : Basic salary up to £23,000 plus bonus & 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 a committed 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 functionality 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

Working as a member of our local procurement team, the Assistant Buyer role will support 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 be instrumental in helping to coordinate the management and development of the regional supplier base.

Please note no prior experience within procurement or purchasing is necessary as full training on systems & products can be offered, with a clear pathway for development provided.

Assistant Buyer Key Duties

• Helping to manage a large portfolio of suppliers
• Sourcing and negotiating with existing suppliers, challenging prices where relevant
• Ensuring products adhere to quality, service and best‑practice initiatives
• Liaising with sales & logistics internally, ensuring good communication at all times
• Managing performance & forging good working relationships with the supplier base
• Assisting 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
• Upholding company procurement strategy and adhering to best practice.
• Maximising profit and minimising risk to the Business as much as possible
• Stock control and office administration activities
• 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 our site locations
• Annual (company paid) volunteering day
• Range of company cars or cash allowance (including hybrid / electric) for qualifying job roles
• Employee assistance program to support & advise with well‑being & any issues
• Extensive range of training / development & potential progression opportunities
• Employee discount scheme (discounts on several major retail / leisure brands)
• Simply Health / Dental Cover option or BUPA cover for qualifying roles
• Enhanced HR policies relating to various employee rights & entitlements
• Long service awards (5-40 years)
• Charitable giving options
• Financial support with eye‑tests / purchasing glasses (DSE users only)
• O2 Mobile discount scheme (up to 25% off)
• Candidate referral scheme (awards £750 for referring successful applicants to Macfarlane job vacancies)