Planner Buyer

Kleboe Jardine Ltd; Livingston; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing medical technology services organization is seeking an experienced Planner / Buyer to support R&D and manufacturing operations in a regulated environment. This role offers the opportunity to influence supply chain performance in a scaling business, requiring expertise in procurement, inventory management, and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, experience in a relevant industry, and a passion for improving supply chain processes.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Planner / Buyer role within a regulated industry.
• Working knowledge of ISO 13485 or equivalent quality standards.
• Experience in medical devices, diagnostics, or pharma environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain production and material plans aligned to demand forecasts.
• Source, negotiate, and procure raw materials and production supplies.
• Monitor inventory levels and support replenishment strategies.

Skills

Strong communication

Negotiation skills

Problem-solving skills

Analytical skills

Strong Excel capability

Education

HND or Degree in a relevant discipline

Tools

ERP systems (e.g. MS Dynamics Business Central)

Job description

A growing medical technology services organisation is seeking an experienced Planner / Buyer to support R&D and manufacturing operations within a regulated environment. This is a hands‑on role with real scope to influence supply chain performance in a scaling business serving UK and international clients.

The company provides contract design, development, and manufacturing services to medical device OEMs, with deep expertise in point‑of‑care diagnostics, disposable components, assay development, and in‑house manufacturing.

The Role

You will be responsible for planning and procurement of materials, components, and services to ensure uninterrupted supply across R&D projects and commercial manufacturing. Operating in a multi‑client environment, you will manage competing priorities while working closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Finance teams.

This role offers the opportunity to play a key part in developing and strengthening supply chain processes, systems, and supplier relationships as the organisation continues to grow.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain production and material plans aligned to demand forecasts, sales orders, and inventory targets
• Process customer purchase orders accurately and compliantly
• Coordinate with R&D, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure material availability
• Communicate supply risks, mitigation plans, and status updates to stakeholders
• Liaise with customers, suppliers, and logistics partners to ensure timely delivery of finished goods

Procurement & Purchasing

• Source, negotiate, and procure raw materials, reagents, consumables, and production supplies
• Place purchase orders in line with lead times, order quantities, and approved supplier requirements
• Manage supplier performance, resolving issues around cost, quality, or delivery
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and regulatory standards (ISO, GMP, FDA where applicable)
• Maintain accurate purchasing and supplier qualification records

Inventory & Systems

• Monitor inventory levels and support replenishment strategies
• Support cycle counting and inventory reconciliation
• Contribute to ERP / MRP system development and optimisation
• Act as a subject matter expert for ERP processes over time
• Work cross‑functionally with R&D, Manufacturing, QA/QC, and Finance
• Support supplier audits, onboarding, and improvement initiatives
• Deliver sourcing projects for new materials and components
• Track and report key supply chain KPIs

Essential Experience & Skills

• HND or Degree in a relevant discipline
• Proven experience in a Planner / Buyer or similar supply chain role within a regulated industry
• Working knowledge of ISO 13485 or equivalent quality standards
• Good understanding of GMP principles
• Experience using ERP systems (e.g. MS Dynamics Business Central or similar)
• Strong Excel capability and analytical skills
• Ability to interpret technical specifications and drawings
• Sound understanding of supply, demand, and inventory control principles
• Strong communication, negotiation, and problem‑solving skills
• Willing and physically able to undertake manual duties where required
• Experience in medical devices, diagnostics, pharma, or CDMO environments
• International shipping and incoterms knowledge
• Experience handling hazardous materials
• Six Sigma / process excellence exposure
• Experience implementing new supply chain processes and procedures

Why Apply?

This is a chance to join a technically advanced, fast‑growing organisation where supply chain capability is critical to success. You’ll have genuine influence, exposure to cutting‑edge diagnostic technologies, and the opportunity to shape how the function evolves.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function & Industries

Supply Chain and Purchasing – Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, and Medical Equipment Manufacturing