Senior Buyer

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

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Contributory pension

Employee discount scheme

Annual volunteering day

Job summary

Macfarlane Packaging, a Gloucester-based packaging distribution leader with over 75 years of experience, is seeking a Senior Buyer to support site operations and align with the national procurement strategy. You will manage supplier relationships, drive cost efficiencies, and contribute to service quality and supplier performance.

In this hands-on, office-based role, you will influence suppliers, negotiate terms, and support tender activity while ensuring alignment with business goals and risk

Qualifications

• 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 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 for quality and service standards.
• Support tender activity, product sourcing, and procurement projects.
• Purchase standard and non-standard stock items per 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.

Skills

Procurement

Negotiation

Supplier management

Cost analysis

Stakeholder management

Data interpretation

Pressure management

Job description

Location: Waterwells Business Park, Quedgeley, Gloucester

(Full-time office based)

Package: Basic salary up to £37,000 (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.

No recruitment agencies please