Package: Up to £30,000 annual salary plus bonus & adaptable benefits package including up to 27 days holiday (plus bank holidays & additional annual leave purchasing scheme)

Hours: 37.5 hours, Monday to Friday

Protecting what matters, together

We're dedicated to protecting what matters most - our people, our customers, our communities and the environment. At Macfarlane Packaging, our commitment to customer satisfaction, sustainability and continual improvement creates a collaborative, supportive and friendly workplace where you can unpack a career that grows.

With over 75 years of history, we offer stability whilst continuing to grow. Our fast-paced, results-driven environment will challenge and stretch you, but also provide genuine opportunities for development. Every colleague has the chance to contribute to our success and build a rewarding long-term career.

The Assistant Buyer Role
As an Assistant Buyer within our local procurement team, you'll support the effective sourcing and supply of products, helping to ensure customer demand is met in a timely and cost-efficient manner.

Working closely with Buyers, senior stakeholders, and suppliers, you'll play an important role in day-to-day purchasing activity, supplier coordination, and stock management. This is an ideal opportunity for someone with some buying or commercial experience who is looking to develop their career further within procurement.

You'll gain exposure to supplier negotiations, tender activity, and procurement strategy, with clear opportunities to grow your skills and take on increased responsibility over time.

Key responsibilities

Support the management and development of the local supplier base





Assist with sourcing products and negotiating pricing and service levels with suppliers

Raise and manage purchase orders, ensuring timely and cost-effective procurement

Monitor supplier performance, supporting resolution of any quality or service issues

Assist with tender activity, product enquiries, and ad-hoc project work

Carry out supplier benchmarking and support reporting and analysis activities

Develop an understanding of stock holding costs and take action to minimise waste and inefficiencies

Support stock control activities and ensure accurate administration

Build strong working relationships across procurement, sales, and logistics teams

Contribute to the delivery of procurement strategy and wider business objectives

What you will bring
Assistant Buyer

Location: Sudbury (Chilton Industrial Estate)

Sector: Packaging distribution

We're looking for someone with some prior exposure to a commercial, purchasing, or supply chain environment who is keen to build a career within procurement.

Essential

Around 12-18+ months experience within a commercial, purchasing, or buying role

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Good attention to detail and organisational ability

Confident IT skills, including Microsoft Office

A proactive, flexible approach and willingness to learn

Desirable





Previous experience supporting supplier negotiations

Exposure to working with multiple product lines or supplier bases

Experience of cross-functional working (sales, logistics, operations)

CIPS qualification (or interest in working towards this)

What you will get
We provide a competitive basic salary alongside a bonus scheme. Our flexible benefits package can include:

25 days annual leave (rising to 27 days with service) plus bank holidays

Additional holiday purchasing scheme

Contributory pension scheme

Free parking at most locations

Annual volunteering day

Employee assistance programme

Extensive training and development opportunities

Employee discount scheme

Simply Health/Dental or BUPA options for qualifying roles

Enhanced HR policies and long service awards

EE mobile discount scheme

Candidate referral scheme

Your future with us
At Macfarlane Group, we actively support internal progression and development. This role offers a clear pathway into Buyer and Senior Buyer positions, supported by structured training and access to recognised qualifications such as the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS).

You'll be part of a business that invests in its people and provides the tools and opportunities to build a 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.

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📌 Assistant Buyer (Ontario)
🏢 Allscreens Nationwide
📍 Ontario