Trainee Buyer

Trainee BuyerLocation: HarlowPackage: Basic Salary up to GBP17,433 (dependent on experience)Plus bonus/commission & other excellent PLC company benefits Sector: Packaging distribution The Company We, the UK's largest packaging distributor have an exciting opportunity for a Trainee Buyer to join our team based in Harlow. We are a committed equal opportunities employer that champions 'dignity in the workplace'. Our focus is to provide customers with fully integrated and innovative packaging solutions, augmented by outstanding customer service. Our procurement functionality is a vital part of our solution offering and we continually invest in the professional development of our team including professional accredited training. The Trainee Buyer Role Working as a member of our local procurement team, your role will support the site at which you are based whilst upholding the company wide National procurement strategy. Within this role you will gain varied exposure to wider procurement tasks and scenarios whilst primarily focusing on ensuring that correct stock levels are ordered and held for customers. Your journey with us will commence by taking on a predominantly stock-control focused remit, learning all aspects of this and then gradually progressing into other areas of the procurement functions. It is our intention that once a certain level of aptitude has been achieved, the successful candidate will also be encouraged to embark on a CIPS (chartered institute of purchasing & supply) accredited training program, this to further support their understanding of procurement functionality. Trainee Buyer Key Duties Reporting to the Senior Buyer, the role will require the following activity???
Directly supporting the local team with day-to-day procurement activity
To purchase standard and non-standard stock items, maintaining cost effective stock levels
Develop a full understanding of the total supply chain function
Actively seek to reduce stock holding and material costs
To ensure that purchasing transactions are carried out in the timeliest and cost-effective manner
Administer purchase orders and all other associated administration
Liaise with existing suppliers and source alternative suppliers when necessary
Develop awareness of the profit implication of stock holding costs, including redundant and damaged stock
Develop and maintain a good knowledge of all packaging solutions

Do you have the correct profile? We certainly welcome your application if you have gained experience of working within a commercial environment and can demonstrate transferable skills including negotiation, communication, and customer service. Please note that no prior experience within procurement or purchasing is necessary as full training and a clear pathway for development will be provided. It would obviously be helpful if you have a genuine interest in pursuing a career path within purchasing/procurement. As a minimum requirement, we do also seek strong computer literacy (MS Office to include Excel spreadsheets) & strong attention to detail. Our Benefits We provide a competitive basic starting salary and operate a range of rewarding bonus/incentive schemes. Our flexible employee benefits can include: -
25 days annual leave (rising to 27 days with service) plus all public/bank holidays
Contributory pension scheme
Free parking at many of our site locations
Range of company cars or cash allowance (including electric) for qualifying roles
Employee assistance program to support & advise with well-being & any issues
Extensive range of training/development & potential progression opportunities
Employee discount scheme (discounts on several major retail/leisure brands)
Simply Health/Dental Cover option or BUPA cover for qualifying roles
Tax free childcare (TFC) scheme
Enhanced maternity & paternity pay
Long service awards (5-40 years)
Charitable giving options
Financial support with eye-tests/purchasing glasses (DSE users only)
O2 Mobile discount scheme (up to 25% off)
Candidate referral scheme (awards GBP750 for referring successful applicants to Macfarlane job vacancies)

Macfarlane Group is also dedicated to maximizing every employee's potential, by providing career development plans and pathways in an environment that fosters personal growth and continuous improvement.Next Steps This is an urgent appointment whereby we will be working to identify and review the very best of applicants swiftly in the hope of selecting our favored candidate to commence with us ASAP. (Please note we are holding zoom video-interviews during the pandemic). Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are continuing to adhere to Government guidelines whereby a significant number of our employees are working from home for the time being. Dependent on the precise role you have applied for, it is important to note that this may be a feature of your initial employment with us until Government advice changes and the situation improves. To make an application please simply click 'apply' ensuring that your CV is up to date and relevant. All applications will be acknowledged, shortlisted applicants normally hearing from us within a week or two. Unsuccessful applicants will also be notified at the end of our process, although if you haven't heard from us within a fortnight of applying, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE