Planning & Purchasing Manager

Recruitment South East; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a driven Purchasing and Planning Manager to lead production planning and procurement in a dynamic manufacturing environment. This role is crucial for aligning supply chain capabilities with customer demands, ensuring operational success through effective scheduling and strategic procurement initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in managing MRP systems, team leadership, and process improvement. Join a forward-thinking company where your expertise will significantly impact production efficiency and supplier relationships.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Procurement and Master Production Scheduling.
• Proven management experience in a manufacturing setting.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and develop the Master Production Schedule to align with customer orders.
• Proactively manage capacity planning and identify potential constraints.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine planning processes.

Skills

Procurement

Master Production Scheduling

MRP Systems

Team Management

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Degree in Supply Chain Management

Degree in Business

Degree in Engineering

Job description

Job Title: Purchasing and Planning Manager
Location: Near Eastbourne, East Sussex
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Job Purpose / Primary Objective
We are seeking an experienced and driven Purchasing and Planning Manager to play a pivotal role in a fast-paced and growing manufacturing environment. This is a high-impact role where effective planning and scheduling are absolutely critical to operational success. The successful candidate will take full ownership of production planning and procurement processes, ensuring the seamless alignment of supply chain capabilities with customer demands and production schedules.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a results-focused supply chain professional with a strong background in production planning, scheduling, procurement, and team leadership within a manufacturing setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Master Production Scheduling:
  Maintain, develop, and take full ownership of the Master Production Schedule (MPS) to ensure all planning activities are aligned with customer orders and forecasted demand. This includes scheduling internal work centres, coordinating raw material availability, and managing sub-contract operations.
• Capacity Planning & Bottleneck Management:
  Proactively match customer and production requirements with internal capacity and supply chain capability. Identify and mitigate potential capacity constraints well in advance to avoid disruptions and ensure continuous flow.
• Supply Chain Development & Performance Management:
  Build and nurture a robust supplier network that consistently meets quality, lead time, and delivery performance standards. Implement supplier scorecards and regular performance reviews to drive continuous improvement.
• Strategic Procurement:
  Negotiate long-term agreements with key suppliers to secure continuity of supply and manage risk associated with price volatility or material shortages. Develop strategic procurement initiatives to reduce cost and improve supply chain efficiency.
• Process Improvement & Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  Collaborate across production, sales, engineering, and finance to align planning and procurement strategies with broader business goals. Continuously evaluate and refine processes for increased accuracy and efficiency.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Procurement and Master Production Scheduling within a manufacturing environment
• Proven ability to manage and maintain MRP systems for effective planning and stock control
• Strong team management and leadership skills
• Highly analytical and detail-oriented, with the ability to prioritise and respond effectively to changing demands
• Excellent communication skills, capable of building strong cross-functional relationships

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering or a related field
• At least 3 years of hands-on buying experience
• Experience leading planning improvement projects or continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications
Required:

• Demonstrated planning and scheduling experience (minimum 5 years)
• Proven management experience in a manufacturing setting (minimum 5 years)

Desirable:

• Degree or formal qualifications in supply chain, operations management, or related field