Location: [Enter Location]

Package: Basic salary up to £…….…. plus bonus & flexible benefits package including up to 27 days holiday (plus bank holidays & additional annual leave purchasing scheme)

Sector: Packaging distribution

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 to develop your skills and build a long-term career.

The Assistant Buyer Apprenticeship

This is an excellent opportunity to start your career in procurement and supply chain within a large, supportive business.

Joining our local procurement team, you’ll support day-to-day purchasing activity while learning how to source products, manage supplier relationships, and maintain effective stock levels. You’ll gain hands-on experience across a wide range of procurement tasks, building a strong foundation in how a commercial supply chain operates.

Alongside your role, you’ll complete a structured apprenticeship programme, gaining a recognised qualification with full support, mentoring, and on-the-job training. As you develop, you’ll take on more responsibility and play a growing role in supplier coordination, stock management, and commercial decision-making.

Our aim is to support you into a permanent role on successful completion, with clear progression opportunities into Assistant Buyer and Buyer positions.

Key responsibilities

• Support purchasing activity, placing orders for standard and non-standard stock items
• Assist with managing supplier relationships, tracking orders and resolving queries
• Ensure purchasing transactions are completed accurately and in a timely manner
• Support stock control activities, helping to maintain appropriate stock levels
• Assist with supplier benchmarking, reporting, and basic analysis tasks
• Develop an understanding of cost control, margins, and stock holding impacts
• Work closely with logistics, warehouse, and sales teams to support customer requirements
• Build product knowledge across a wide range of packaging solutions

What you will bring

We’re looking for someone who is motivated, organised, and keen to build a career in procurement or supply chain. No prior buying experience is required - just the right attitude and willingness to learn.

You’ll ideally demonstrate:

• A genuine interest in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain
• Strong communication skills and confidence working with others
• Good attention to detail and organisational skills
• Basic IT skills, including Microsoft Office
• A proactive, positive approach with a willingness to learn

You’ll also need:

• GCSEs in Maths and English (grade 4/C or above), or willingness to work towards these.
• Commitment to completing a 12-month (approx.) apprenticeship programme

What you will get

We provide a competitive starting salary alongside a range of bonus and incentive schemes. 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’re committed to developing our people. This apprenticeship provides a clear pathway into procurement roles, with opportunities to progress into Assistant Buyer and Buyer positions.

We also support further professional development, including pathways into recognised qualifications such as the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), helping you to build a long-term career within the business.

Next Steps/How to Apply

We 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 please