Senior Buyer

Macfarlane Packaging; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave (rising to 27)

Additional holiday purchase scheme

Contributory pension scheme

Employee assistance programme

Extensive training and development

Employee discount scheme

Annual volunteering day

Eye tests and glasses (DSE)

EE mobile discount scheme

Long service awards

Charitable giving options

Job summary

Macfarlane Packaging is seeking a Senior Buyer to support site operations and align with the national procurement strategy. You will manage a diverse supplier base, lead sourcing, negotiate terms and monitor performance to ensure value, service and quality for customers.

This role emphasises supplier influence, cost management and operational efficiency, contributing directly to business performance. Office-based position at Waterwells/Quedgeley with a competitive package.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years experience in commercial buying or procurement.
• 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 reporting and data interpretation.
• Good commercial awareness with focus on cost, margin and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a broad supplier portfolio, building strong relationships.
• Negotiate pricing, terms and service levels to drive cost efficiencies and maximise margin.
• Monitor supplier performance for quality and service standards.
• Support tender activity, product sourcing and procurement initiatives.
• Purchase standard and non-standard stock in line with business requirements.
• Conduct supplier benchmarking and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Analyse data and produce reports to support decision-making and performance tracking.
• Maintain stock control balancing availability with cost and risk.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure supply chain alignment and responsiveness.

Skills

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Analytical ability

Cost/margin awareness

Communication

Pressure management

Fast-paced environment

Job description

Senior Buyer

Location: Waterwells Business Park, Quedgeley, Gloucester
(Full-time office based)
Package: Basic salary up to GBP37,000 (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

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 play a key role in supporting site operations while aligning to our national procurement strategy. Helping to manage a diverse supplier base, you ll be involved with 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

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.