Assistant Buyer

Assistant BuyerLocation: Sudbury (Chilton Industrial Estate)Package: Up to £30,000 annual salary plus bonus & flexible benefits package including up to 27 days holiday (plus bank holidays & additional annual leave purchasing scheme)Hours: 37.5 hours, Monday to FridaySector: Packaging distributionProtecting what matters, togetherWe'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 RoleAs 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 baseAssist with sourcing products and negotiating pricing and service levels with suppliersRaise and manage purchase orders, ensuring timely and cost-effective procurementMonitor supplier performance, supporting resolution of any quality or service issuesAssist with tender activity, product enquiries, and ad-hoc project workCarry out supplier benchmarking and support reporting and analysis activitiesDevelop an understanding of stock holding costs and take action to minimise waste and inefficienciesSupport stock control activities and ensure accurate administrationBuild strong working relationships across procurement, sales, and logistics teamsContribute to the delivery of procurement strategy and wider business objectivesWhat you will bringWe'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 roleStrong communication and interpersonal skillsGood attention to detail and organisational abilityConfident IT skills, including Microsoft OfficeA proactive, flexible approach and willingness to learnDesirable: Previous experience supporting supplier negotiationsExposure to working with multiple product lines or supplier basesExperience of cross-functional working (sales, logistics, operations)CIPS qualification (or interest in working towards this)What you will getWe 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 holidaysAdditional holiday purchasing schemeContributory pension schemeFree parking at most locationsAnnual volunteering dayEmployee assistance programmeExtensive training and development opportunitiesEmployee discount schemeSimply Health/Dental or BUPA options for qualifying rolesEnhanced HR policies and long service awardsEE mobile discount schemeCandidate referral schemeYour future with usAt 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.Next Steps/How to ApplyWe are working swiftly to find the best applicants and hope to hold local interviews ASAP. Please click apply' to submit your up-to-date CV. All applications will be acknowledged. If you haven't heard from us within two weeks, please assume your application was unsuccessful.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 pleaseTPBN1_UKTJ