Job Description:

This is a 12 month fixed term contract hire

Buyer / Planner

Department: Supply Chain / Manufacturing Operations
Reports To: Supply Chain Manager / Supply Chain & Logistics Lead
Location: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Facility

Job Purpose

The Buyer/Planner is responsible for the timely procurement of materials and the development of production and inventory plans that support manufacturing operations. The role ensures uninterrupted supply of raw materials, components, consumables, and packaging materials while maintaining optimal inventory levels and compliance with GMP, GDP, and regulatory requirements.

The position works closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Warehouse, Engineering, Procurement, and external suppliers to ensure materials are available to meet production schedules and customer demand.

Key Responsibilities

Production Planning

• Develop and maintain production schedules based on customer demand, forecast requirements, and manufacturing capacity.
• Monitor production performance against plan and proactively address scheduling conflicts.
• Execute Material Requirements Planning (MRP) activities within SAP systems.
• Coordinate planning activities for routine manufacturing, validation campaigns, engineering batches, and new product introductions.

Procurement & Materials Management

• Create and manage purchase orders for raw materials, packaging components, consumables, and indirect materials.
• Monitor supplier performance, delivery schedules, and inventory availability.

Supply Chain Coordination

• Act as the primary interface between suppliers, manufacturing, warehouse, and quality functions.
• Participate in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and demand review processes.
• Support product launches, technology transfers, and supply continuity initiatives.

Compliance & Quality

• Ensure all purchasing and planning activities comply with GMP, GDP, FDA, EMA, and company requirements.
• Maintain complete and accurate documentation to support audits and inspections.
• Support investigations, deviations, CAPAs, and change controls as required.
• Ensure materials are sourced from approved suppliers and meet quality standards.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Track and report key supply chain KPIs including:
  • Supplier OTIF (On Time In Full)
  • Inventory Turns
  • Service Levels
• Analyze supply chain performance data and recommend improvements.
• Participate in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support ERP and digital transformation projects.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations Management, Engineering, or related discipline.

Experience

3-5 years' experience in procurement, supply planning, production planning, or materials management.

Preferably experience in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or regulated manufacturing environment preferred.

Experience using SAP (MM, PP, MRP) or equivalent ERP systems.

Technical Skills

• SAP ERP proficiency.
• Inventory management and MRP planning.
• Supply chain analytics and reporting.
• Advanced Computer skills.
• Understanding of GMP, GDP, and pharmaceutical regulatory requirements.

Strong communication and influencing skills.