Manager, Procurement and Inventory Planning, Americas

ZipRecruiter; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global life science tools company is seeking a Manager for Procurement and Inventory Planning in Manchester. This role leads Supply Chain Planning for the Americas, managing a team of 8-10 while optimizing inventory and supplier performance. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s in a related field, extensive supply chain experience, and strong leadership skills. Fluency in English is required, with Spanish or Portuguese as a plus.

Qualifications

• Extensive supply chain leadership experience in high-SKU, complex environments.
• Proven success in Purchasing, Demand/Supply Planning, Analytics, and Supplier Management.
• Management of cross-functional teams (8-10 direct/indirect reports).

Responsibilities

• Lead regional demand planning and purchasing.
• Manage regional supplier purchasing activities.
• Own and improve key performance indicators.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication

Strong team leadership and coaching mindset

Highly collaborative

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related field

Master’s or MBA

Tools

MRP/ERP systems

IFS ERP

Job description

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionCompany Description

ABOUT LGC STANDARDS:

LGC Standards is a division of LGC Group, the UK’s designated Measurement Institute for chemical and bioanalytical measurements. We are a leading global manufacturer and service provider of quality assurance and research tools, supporting analytical needs in more than 120 countries worldwide. We use our expertise to produce to the highest standards, including ranges produced under ISO/IEC 17025 and accredited to ISO 17034. Our wide range of reference materials and proficiency testing schemes is complemented by our experience in outsourcing and customs, enabling us to adapt quickly to provide tailored solutions that meet our customers’ analytical needs. We innovate and apply science in order to ensure the safety and integrity of products and services, in line with our vision of science for a safer world.

Job Description

The Manager, Procurement and Inventory Planning will lead Supply Chain Planning and Purchasing for the Americas region within the Reference Materials business of LGC Standards. This role oversees planning and replenishment across regional distribution centres and manufacturing sites, supporting commercial execution, inventory optimisation, and supplier performance. The scope includes tens of thousands of SKUs, a complex supply network, and close collaboration with regional and global functions. The position manages a team of approximately 8–10, including direct and indirect reports.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead regional demand planning, supply planning, and purchasing to optimise inventory and support commercial objectives, ensuring high service levels across the Americas.
• Manage regional supplier purchasing activities to guarantee timely, cost-effective availability of resale and manufacturing materials.
• Own and improve key performance indicators, including OTIF, inventory availability, supplier performance, overdue POs, and backorders.
• Monitor and manage key inventory metrics such as gross/net value, obsolescence risk, expiry, and scrappage within the region.
• Identify and address regional supply chain risks, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities proactively.
• Drive monthly SIOP (Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning) cycles, ensuring regional forecasts are aligned with commercial and site inputs.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Data, Compliance, Commercial, IT, and Finance to ensure end-to-end planning excellence.
• Develop and coach team members, instilling a Continuous Improvement (CIP) mindset and supporting regional input into the broader RM Operations strategy.
• Contribute to budgeting and regional planning processes as part of the RM Operations leadership team.
• Take on special assignments as directed by regional or global leadership.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related field required; Master’s or MBA preferred.

People Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Influencing across seniority levels and departments
• Strong team leadership and coaching mindset
• Initiative-driven and highly collaborative

Professional Experience

• Extensive supply chain leadership experience in high-SKU, complex environments
• Proven success in Purchasing, Demand/Supply Planning, Analytics, and Supplier Management
• Management of cross-functional teams (8–10 direct/indirect reports)
  Comfortable in international matrix organizations

Subject Matter Knowledge

• Deep understanding of end-to-end Supply Chain Planning
• Expertise in inventory optimization and KPI management (OTIF, backorders, POs)
• Familiarity with regulated, scientific, or life sciences sectors
• Skilled in SIOP cycles and risk mitigation across supply networks

Technical Proficiency

• Strong hands-on experience with MRP/ERP systems
• Familiarity with IFS ERP systems (preferred)
• SAP experience not mentioned, but likely transferable skills expected

• Fluent in English (required)
• Spanish or Portuguese (beneficial)

Additional Information

ABOUT LGC:

LGC is a leading, global life science tools company, providing mission-critical components and solutions into high-growth application areas across the human healthcare and applied market segments. Its high-quality product portfolio is comprised of mission-critical tools for genomic analysis and for quality assurance applications, which are typically embedded and recurring within our customers’ products and workflows and are valued for their performance, quality, and range.

OUR VALUES

• PASSION
• CURIOSITY
• INTEGRITY
• BRILLIANCE
• RESPECT

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

LGC strongly believes that every job applicant and employee should be valued for their individual talents regardless of , , , , or , , , reassignment, marital or civil partnership, or maternity, , or belief. Short listing, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to , , marital status, , , , or origins, or belief, , or trade union membership.

For more information about LGC, please visit our website www.lgcgroup.com

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