Senior Buyer

Macfarlane Group UK Ltd; Cumbernauld; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Private pension scheme

Employee discount

Training & development

Volunteer day

Job summary

Macfarlane Packaging is seeking a Senior Buyer to drive sourcing and supplier performance across our Glasgow Regional Distribution Centre and manufacturing operations. You’ll own supplier engagement, negotiate terms, and optimise cost, service, and quality to deliver real value to customers.

Based in Cumbernauld, this on-site role reports to the Head of Procurement – Scotland, offering visibility, influence, and opportunities for progression within the group.

Qualifications

• A minimum of two years’ experience in a commercial buying or procurement role.
• Strong negotiation skills with the confidence to challenge suppliers and drive value.
• Experience in a fast-paced, commercially driven environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical ability with experience in reporting and data interpretation.
• Good commercial awareness with a focus on cost, margin, and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop a broad portfolio of suppliers, building strong relationships.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and service levels to drive cost efficiencies and maximise margin.
• Monitor supplier performance, ensuring adherence to quality, service, and best practice standards.
• Support tender activity, product sourcing, and project-based procurement initiatives.
• Purchase both standard and non-standard stock items in line with business requirements.
• Conduct supplier benchmarking and identify opportunities for improvement or consolidation.
• Analyse data and produce reports to support decision-making and performance tracking.
• Maintain effective stock control, balancing availability with cost and risk management.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams to ensure supply chain alignment and responsiveness.

Skills

Supplier management

Negotiation

Procurement

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Cost control

Education

CIPS qualification (advantageous)

Job description

Senior Buyer – Cumbernauld, Scotland

Location: Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire (commutable from Glasgow, Falkirk and Stirling)

Package: Basic salary up to £40,000 (dependent on experience) plus bonus & flexible benefits package including up to 27 days holiday (plus bank holidays & additional annual leave purchasing scheme)

Sector: Packaging Distribution & Manufacturing

Build supplier partnerships that drive real commercial impact

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 agility of a fast-paced, sales-led business. If you’re an experienced Buyer looking to step into a role with greater influence, autonomy, and visibility – this is your opportunity to make a real impact.

The Role

As our Senior Buyer, you’ll support both our Glasgow Regional Distribution Centre and Pitreavie Group manufacturing, while aligning to our national procurement strategy. Reporting to Head of Procurement – Scotland, you’ll be managing a diverse supplier base across both operations, you’ll take ownership of sourcing, negotiation, and supplier performance – ensuring we deliver the best possible value, service, and quality to our customers.

This is a commercially focused role where your ability to influence suppliers, manage cost, and support operational efficiency will directly contribute to business performance.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Manage and develop a broad portfolio of suppliers, building strong and effective relationships
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and service levels to drive cost efficiencies and maximise margin
• Monitor supplier performance, ensuring adherence to quality, service, and best practice standards
• Support tender activity, product sourcing, and project-based procurement initiatives
• Purchase both standard and non-standard stock items in line with business requirements
• Conduct supplier benchmarking and identify opportunities for improvement or consolidation
• Analyse data and produce reports to support decision-making and performance tracking
• Maintain effective stock control, balancing availability with cost and risk management
• Work collaboratively with internal teams to ensure supply chain alignment and responsiveness

What We’re Looking For

• A minimum of two years’ experience in a commercial buying or procurement role
• Strong negotiation skills with the confidence to challenge suppliers and drive value
• Experience working within a fast-paced, commercially driven environment
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Strong analytical ability with experience in reporting and data interpretation
• Good commercial awareness with a focus on cost, margin, and risk management
• Ability to prioritise and perform effectively under pressure
• CIPS qualification (or working towards) is advantageous – full support provided if not already achieved

What You Will Get

We provide a competitive basic salary alongside a rewarding incentive scheme designed to recognise and incentivise success. Our flexible benefits package includes:

• 25 days annual leave (rising to 27 with service) plus all public/bank holidays
• Additional holiday purchase scheme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Employee assistance programme to support wellbeing
• Extensive training and development opportunities
• Employee discount scheme (retail and leisure)
• Annual paid volunteering day
• Simply Health/Dental plan options
• Enhanced HR policies and long service awards
• Charitable giving options
• Financial support with eye tests and glasses (DSE users)
• EE mobile discount scheme

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 have the support and tools to shape your long‑term career.

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.

No recruitment agencies please