Junior Buyer/Material Planner

Vickerstock; Northern Ireland; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading heavy manufacturing company in Northern Ireland is seeking a Junior Buyer/Material Planner to join their team on a full-time basis. In this role, you will optimize material schedules, manage purchase orders, and ensure timely communication with suppliers. Ideal candidates will have at least 2 years of experience in a similar position within manufacturing, as well as skills in material resource planning and proficiency in MS Excel. This role offers competitive benefits and a chance to grow in a top industry environment.

Benefits

Pension scheme

Group Income Protection

Life Assurance

33 days annual leave

Enhanced maternity/paternity pay

Discretionary bonus scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years in a similar role within manufacturing.
• Experience in material resource planning or buying.
• Competency in using MRPs/ERPs.

Responsibilities

• Create, manage, and optimise material schedules to support production timelines.
• Place purchase orders and track delivery performance.
• Maintain strong communication with suppliers regarding lead times and forecasts.
• Collaborate with production planners to align material requirements.
• Drive improvements through supplier engagement.
• Manage ERP/MRP data for accuracy.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Material resource planning

Buying experience

MS Excel proficiency

Tools

MRP software

ERP systems

Job description

Vickerstock are working in partnership with a heavy manufacturing business on the appointment of a Junior Buyer/Material Planner on a full-time permanent basis. This is an excellent chance for a supply chain professional to gain experience in a manufacturing business who are recognised as one of the top names in their industry.

As the Junior Buyer/Material Planner, you will play a key part in the supply chain working closely with the dedicated production and procurement teams, ensuring that there is a continuous supply of critical parts and components to meet the demands of customers.

Benefits include:

• Pension - Employer 7% and employee min of 5% we can put in more- salary sacrifice scheme
• Group Income Protection - up to 50%
• Life Assurance - 6 times salary
• Total of 33 days annual leave
• Enhanced maternity/paternity pay
• Discretionary bonus scheme 5% based on business performance

In your new role:

• Create, manage, and optimise material schedules to support production timelines and build plans
• Place purchase orders, track delivery performance, and identify risks before they become bottlenecks
• Maintain strong communication with suppliers to ensure accuracy on lead times, forecasts, and capacity
• Collaborate closely with production planners and engineering teams to align material requirements with build changes
• Drive cost, quality, and delivery improvements through effective supplier engagement
• Manage ERP/MRP data, ensuring accuracy in lead times, safety stock levels, and order parameters
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across procurement and scheduling functions

What you will need to succeed:

• 2 year's in a similar role within manufacturing
• Experience in material resource planning or buying
• Experience working with MRPs/ERPs
• Competency in MS Excel

For a confidential conversation on how Vickerstock can help support you with your next move, get in touch with our supply chain consultant Michael Irwin today!