Planner/Buyer in Dover)

New Appointments Group; Dover; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave plus bank hols

Training and development programmes

Life assurance scheme

Employee health care plan

Health and benefits portal

Job summary

New Appointments Group is seeking a Planner/Buyer for a 9-month fixed-term contract in Dover. The role covers procurement of material categories, SAP planning, and supplier management to ensure on-time delivery.

Hybrid work: 3 days in the office, 2 days at home, with the first month on site for training. You will lead purchasing, stock control, and vendor negotiations, collaborate with planning, production and warehouse teams, and drive lean improvements while supporting new product

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in a manufacturing buying role.
• Proven ability to manage supplier performance and resolve issues.
• Strong experience with ERP/MRP systems (preferably SAP) and advanced Excel skills.
• CIPS qualification or studying (preferable).

Responsibilities

• Manage all purchasing functions including order placement, stock control, supplier negotiations and vendor performance.
• Collaborate with planning, production and warehouse teams to ensure material availability and efficient booking-in of goods.
• Lead supplier performance management activities, including quality, delivery, and cost reviews.
• Drive inventory reduction and process improvements through lean strategies such as vendor consignment, Kanban and just-in-time.
• Support new product introductions and supplier audits to ensure supply chain readiness and compliance.

Skills

2+ years manufacturing buying

Supplier performance management

ERP/MRP SAP and Excel

Excellent communication

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

CIPS qualification or studying

Job description

Job title: Planner/Buyer (9-month fixed-term contract)

Salary: up to £40,000

Location: Dover

Hours: Monday to Friday, with an early finish on Fridays!

Hybrid: 3 days office / 2 days home (your first month will be on fully site based due to training)

Role summary:

The successful candidate will be responsible for the procurement of specific material categories and managing vendor relationships. You will control planning parameters in SAP, determine batch sizes within inventory and transport guidelines, and ensure timely order placement and delivery performance.

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Training and development programmes
• Life assurance scheme
• Employee health care plan
• Health and benefits portal

Key responsibilities would be:

• Manage all purchasing functions including order placement, stock control, supplier negotiations and vendor performance.
• Collaborate with planning, production and warehouse teams to ensure material availability and efficient booking-in of goods.
• Lead supplier performance management activities, including quality, delivery, and cost reviews.
• Drive inventory reduction and process improvements through lean strategies such as vendor consignment, Kanban and just-in-time.
• Support new product introductions and supplier audits to ensure supply chain readiness and compliance.

Experience and skills required:

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in a manufacturing buying role
• Proven ability to manage supplier performance and resolving unforeseen issues
• Strong experience with ERP/MRP systems (preferably SAP) and advanced Excel skills
• CIPS - qualified or studying (preferable)
• Excellent communication skills
• The ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment in line with the Equality Act 2010. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of age, disability, gender reassignement, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.