Buyer

Azenta Life Sciences; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Azenta Life Sciences in Manchester seeks a Buyer to secure timely procurement of raw materials, components, and consumables while aligning production schedules with demand.

You will manage forecasts, source materials, negotiate with suppliers, and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure on-time delivery and optimal inventory levels in a regulated life sciences environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in demand planning and purchasing in production-driven environments.
• Understanding end-to-end supply chain, including procurement and inventory management.
• Strong stakeholder communication and cross-functional influence.
• APICS/CSCP or similar certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and improve demand forecasts to support production and purchasing plans.
• Source and purchase raw materials, components, and indirect supplies per policy and regs.
• Ensure materials meet production schedules and customer demand for On Time Delivery.
• Monitor stock levels to anticipate supply needs and reduce excess inventory.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and terms with suppliers for cost savings.
• Maintain purchase orders and ensure timely delivery of goods.
• Lead planning meetings to review schedules and forecast updates.
• Build relationships with suppliers and lead quarterly business reviews.
• Support continuous improvement in the supply chain.

Skills

Demand planning

Purchasing

Stakeholder management

Supply chain knowledge

Regulatory/compliance awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

The Buyer is responsible for ensuring the timely procurement of raw materials, components, and consumables, as well as planning production schedules to meet customer demand and inventory targets. This role plays a critical part in maintaining supply continuity, optimizing inventory levels, and supporting manufacturing operations in a regulated life sciences environment.

What You'll Be Doing

• Develop, maintain, and improve accurate demand forecasts to support production and purchasing plans
• Source and purchase raw materials, components, and indirect supplies in compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements
• Ensure materials and products are available to meet production schedules and customer demand to achieve On Time Delivery (OTD)
• Monitor stock levels and consumption rates to anticipate supply needs, avoid stockouts, and reduce excess inventory
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and terms with suppliers to achieve cost savings and secure reliable supply.
• Maintain accurate purchase orders and ensure timely delivery of goods
• Lead regular planning meetings to review production schedules, inventory status, and forecast updates.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure quality and reliability and lead Quarterly Business Reviews with key suppliers
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain process to increase efficiency and responsiveness.

Metrics

• On-Time Delivery to Customer Request Date
• On-Time Supplier Delivery
• At Target Safety Stock
• Inventory Turns
• Revenue Target

What You'll Bring

• Proven experience in demand planning and purchasing in a production-driven environment (life sciences or similar regulated industry preferred)
• Solid understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes, including procurement, production planning, and inventory management.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and align cross-functional teams
• High attention to detail, problem-solving capability, and a proactive, continuous improvement mindset.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field; APICS certification or equivalent is a plus