Buyer Planner

Azenta Life Sciences; Wotton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Azenta Life Sciences is seeking a Planner Buyer to ensure timely procurement of raw materials, components and consumables while planning production schedules to meet demand. This full-time, on-site role is based in the UK, with options for Irlam, Manchester or Wotton in Surrey.

You will develop accurate forecasts, source materials, and manage supplier relationships to meet On Time Delivery targets and optimize inventory. Strong communication and continuous improvement mindset are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in demand planning and purchasing in a production-driven, regulated environment.
• End-to-end understanding of supply chain processes: procurement, production planning, and inventory management.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, ability to influence cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain and improve demand forecasts to support production and purchasing plans.
• Source and purchase raw materials and indirect supplies in compliance with policies and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure materials are available to meet schedules and demand to achieve On Time Delivery.
• Monitor stock levels and consumption to anticipate supply needs and reduce excess inventory.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times and terms with suppliers to achieve cost savings and reliable supply.
• Maintain accurate purchase orders and ensure timely delivery of goods.
• Lead planning meetings to review production schedules and forecast updates.
• Build strong supplier relationships and lead Quarterly Business Reviews.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain.

Skills

Demand forecasting

Purchasing

Supplier management

Negotiation

Attention to detail

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree

APICS certification

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.

The role is based full time onsite and can be housed in Irlam, Manchester or Wotton, Surrey.

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