Trainee Buyer

Macfarlane Packaging; Reading; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Bonus schemes

Pension scheme

Training incl. CIPS

CIPS qualifications support

Employee assistance programme

Employee discounts

Wellbeing benefits

Volunteering day

Long service awards

Job summary

Macfarlane Packaging in Tilehurst, Reading, invites you to join as a Trainee Buyer. You will support stock control and day-to-day purchasing, learn supplier relationships, cost control, and maintain stock levels.

We offer full training including CIPS support, a clear development path to a Buyer role, and benefits such as 25 days holiday, pension, and employee discounts.

Qualifications

• Experience in a commercial, administrative, or customer-focused environment.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Good communication skills and confidence dealing with others.
• IT literacy, including Microsoft Office (Excel).
• A genuine interest in developing a career in procurement.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day purchasing activity across the site
• Raise and manage purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Monitor stock levels and help maintain efficient inventory control
• Build relationships with suppliers and support sourcing activities
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve efficiency
• Maintain accurate system records and procurement data
• Develop an understanding of the full supply chain process
• Gain knowledge of our packaging products and solutions

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Team player

IT literacy

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location: Tilehurst, Reading

Salary: Up to £32,000 (dependent on experience) + bonus

Benefits: Up to 27 days holiday (+ bank holidays & buy/sell scheme), pension, full training including CIPS support, progression opportunities, employee discounts and more

Sector: Packaging Distribution

Start your career in procurement with a market leader.

At Macfarlane Packaging, we protect what matters – our people, our customers, our communities, and the environment.

With over 75 years of success, we offer long-term stability combined with a supportive, collaborative environment where people can build meaningful careers. If you’re looking to take your first step into procurement, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn, develop, and progress.

The role

As our Trainee Buyer, you’ll join our local procurement team and gain hands‑on experience across all aspects of purchasing and supply chain operations.

You’ll begin by supporting stock control and day‑to‑day purchasing activity, learning how to manage supplier relationships, control costs, and maintain optimal stock levels. As your experience grows, you’ll take on more responsibility and develop into a fully‑fledged Buyer.

We’ll also support your professional development, including the opportunity to study towards a recognised CIPS qualification.

Key Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day purchasing activity across the site


• Raise and manage purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and timeliness


• Monitor stock levels and help maintain efficient inventory control


• Build relationships with suppliers and support sourcing activities


• Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve efficiency


• Maintain accurate system records and procurement data


• Develop an understanding of the full supply chain process


• Gain knowledge of our packaging products and solutions

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for someone with the right attitude and potential, rather than direct procurement experience.

Essential

• Experience in a commercial, administrative, or customer-focused environment


• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills


• Good communication skills and confidence dealing with others
  
• IT literacy, including Microsoft Office (particularly Excel)


• A genuine interest in developing a career in procurement

Desirable

• Exposure to stock control, purchasing, or supply chain environments


• Analytical mindset with an interest in cost control or data

What You’ll Get

• 25 days holiday (rising to 27 with service) + bank holidays


• Bonus and incentive schemes


• Contributory pension scheme


• Full training and structured career development


• Support towards CIPS professional qualifications


• Employee assistance programme


• Employee discounts and wellbeing benefits


• Volunteering day and long service awards

Your future with us

This role offers a clear pathway into a Buyer position and beyond. With structured development plans and access to recognised qualifications, you’ll have everything you need to build a long-term career in procurement, including CIPS accredited training along the way.

No recruitment agencies please