Buyer/Purchasing Specialist

Murray Recruitment are recruiting a Plant Buyer / Purchasing & Product Sourcing Specialist for our client based in Lanarkshire.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a background in horticulture, garden centre retail, plant nurseries, or landscaping supply to transition into a commercially focused procurement role within a fast-growing business. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, the successful candidate will work as part of a collaborative team managing the full purchasing cycle across an extensive product range while supporting the continued expansion of the business through supplier development across Europe.

Role Overview

Working within a fast-growing online garden centre supplying thousands of customers across the UK, this is a dynamic and hands-on role responsible for managing the end-to-end procurement process across a portfolio of more than 5,000 product lines, ranging from houseplants to outdoor plants, trees, and garden essentials.

The role plays a critical part in ensuring stock availability, maintaining product quality, and securing competitive supplier pricing. The environment is highly seasonal, with a busy and fast-paced peak trading period between March and August, requiring strong organisation, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

During quieter seasonal periods, the role will involve visiting growers and suppliers across Europe, reviewing new product ranges, and identifying opportunities to introduce new lines that enhance the product offering.

This position offers genuine career progression opportunities for individuals who demonstrate strong commercial awareness, operational excellence, and a proactive approach to supplier management.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing the full end-to-end purchasing process, from forecasting demand through to supplier ordering and delivery.
• Processing and managing purchase orders accurately and efficiently using internal systems.
• Analysing sales data, stock levels, and seasonal trends to support purchasing decisions and optimise stock availability.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers across the UK and Europe.
• Negotiating pricing, lead times, and supply terms to ensure best value for the business.
• Coordinating container imports, including liaising with freight forwarders, managing shipping documentation, and ensuring smooth customs clearance.
• Monitoring product performance across a diverse product range and supporting stock planning activities.
• Identifying and sourcing new suppliers and product lines to expand the overall product portfolio.
• Visiting European growers and suppliers during quieter trading periods to strengthen supplier partnerships and review product quality.
• Working collaboratively with internal teams to ensure purchasing aligns with operational and commercial objectives.
• Identifying opportunities to improve purchasing processes and operational efficiencies.
• Utilising systems including Microsoft Navision and Volo Commerce to manage purchasing, supplier, and inventory data.

Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in purchasing, procurement, product sourcing, plant buying, or supply chain roles.
• Background within horticulture, garden centres, plant nurseries, landscaping supply, or related sectors would be highly advantageous.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills with confidence working with data, forecasting tools, and spreadsheets.
• Excellent organisational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple suppliers, shipments, and orders within a fast-paced and seasonal environment.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills when working with international suppliers.
• Experience coordinating imports, shipping logistics, or container deliveries would be beneficial.
• Familiarity with ERP systems, ideally Microsoft Navision or similar platforms.
• A proactive mindset with the ability to identify improvements and efficiencies within purchasing processes.
• A genuine interest in plants, horticulture, or the gardening industry would be advantageous.

Offering

• Competitive salary
• 40-hour working week with flexible start and finish times
• 29 days annual leave
• Generous staff discount across an extensive plant and garden product range
• Opportunity to work within a fast-growing and ambitious online business
• Exposure to European suppliers and growers
• A supportive, collaborative team environment
• Career development opportunities with potential progression