Buyer Planner

Azenta Life Sciences; Trafford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Azenta Life Sciences in the United Kingdom is seeking a Planner Buyer to secure timely procurement of raw materials and plan production schedules to meet demand. You will optimize inventory and collaborate across functions to maintain supply continuity.

In this regulated life sciences environment, you will forecast demand, source materials, negotiate terms, and lead regular planning meetings with suppliers to support On-Time Delivery and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain or related field
• Experience in demand planning and purchasing in a production-driven environment
• Knowledge of end-to-end supply chain processes and inventory management
• APICS certification is a plus

Responsibilities

• Develop accurate demand forecasts to support production and purchasing plans
• Source and purchase raw materials, components, and indirect supplies in compliance with 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 and reduce excess inventory
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and terms with suppliers to achieve cost savings
• Maintain accurate purchase orders and ensure timely delivery of goods
• Lead regular planning meetings to review production schedules and forecast updates
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships and lead Quarterly Business Reviews
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain process

Skills

Demand planning

Purchasing

Supplier management

Inventory management

S&OP

Negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

APICS certification

Tools

Job description

The Planner 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