Planner / Buyer

Azenta Life Sciences; Wotton; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Azenta UK, Ltd. is seeking a Planner / Buyer to secure timely procurement of materials and plan production to meet customer demand in a regulated life sciences setting.

You will forecast demand, source materials, manage inventory, and collaborate with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery and cost efficiency. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential, along with a relevant degree and APICS being a plus.

Qualifications

• Experience in demand planning and purchasing in a production-driven environment (life sciences or regulated industry preferred).
• Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes: procurement, planning, and inventory management.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management to influence cross-functional teams.
• High attention to detail, problem-solving, and continuous improvement mindset.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain or related field; APICS certification or equivalent is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and improve demand forecasts to support production and purchasing plans.
• Source and purchase raw materials, components, and indirect supplies per policies and regulations.
• Ensure materials meet production schedules and customer demand to achieve OTD.
• Monitor stock levels and consumption to anticipate needs and reduce excess inventory.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and terms with suppliers for cost savings and reliability.
• Maintain purchase orders and ensure timely delivery of goods.
• Lead regular planning meetings to review schedules and forecasts.
• Build strong supplier relationships and lead quarterly business reviews.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives in the supply chain.

Skills

Demand forecasting

Purchasing

Supplier negotiation

Inventory management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain or related field

APICS certification (preferred)

Job description

Azenta UK, Ltd.

At Azenta, new ideas, new technologies and new ways of thinking are driving our future. Our customer focused culture encourages employees to embrace innovation and challenge the status quo with novel thinking and collaborative work relationships.

All we accomplish is grounded in our core values of Customer Focus, Achievement, Accountability, Teamwork, Employee Value and Integrity

Job Title

Planner / Buyer

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

If any applicant is unable to complete an application or respond to a job opening because of a disability, please email at [e-mail] for assistance.

Azenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company considers candidates regardless of race, color, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.