Buyer Planner

BioSpace; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Afton Scientific in Virginia is seeking a Buyer Planner to support manufacturing and project activities by ensuring materials are available when needed while maintaining appropriate inventory levels and strong supplier relationships.

This role focuses on supplier quotes, procurement, production planning, and inventory control within a cGMP environment, contributing to on-time delivery and cost-effective operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous inventory management experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and issue-resolution skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and changing environment.
• Demonstrated initiative and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Obtain supplier quotes and procure materials needed to support manufacturing and project requirements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned suppliers and maintain productive supplier relationships.
• Monitor open purchase orders and work with suppliers to track and maintain expected delivery dates.
• Closely manage critical material orders to help prevent disruptions to manufacturing.
• Monitor raw material, in-transit, and consignment inventory levels.
• Maintain MRP planning data and coordinate material deliveries to minimize shortages and excess inventory.
• Perform production and project material planning, including creating and maintaining material allocations and pick lists.
• Author and review supply chain and quality-related documentation, including SOPs, specifications, Supplier Non-Conformances, and quarterly DEA reporting.
• Assist with cycle counts and physical inventories to support inventory accuracy.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives that improve supply chain efficiency, compliance, and cost effectiveness.

Skills

Inventory management

MS Office

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Multitasking

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain or related field

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

Job description

Afton Scientific is a contract manufacturing organization (CMO) in Virginia that specializes in small-batch filling of injectables from clinical trials to approved commercial drugs.

Utilizing 35,000 Sq. Ft of manufacturing, lab, warehouse, and administrative space, Afton provides custom, innovative solutions for clinical to commercial sterile manufacturing, packaging and labeling, analytical and micro lab services, and pharmaceutical support services.

Our Ready-To-Fill® line continues with our philosophy of guidance and support for our clients. It offers top-quality pre-sterilized components to those who can fill in-house.

• Serving clients in 18 Countries
• Successful NDA and ANDA drug registrations
• In good standing with the FDA, PMDA, and MHRA

NOTE: Afton Scientific does not sponsor work visas. No recruiters please.

Afton Scientific is seeking an organized, proactive, and detail-oriented Buyer Planner to join our Supply Chain team. This position plays a critical role in ensuring that the materials needed to support manufacturing and project activities are available when needed while maintaining appropriate inventory levels and strong supplier relationships.

This is an excellent opportunity for an employee who enjoys planning, problem-solving, working with suppliers, and coordinating across departments to support successful manufacturing operations.

Compensation

$29.00 to $36.00

Primary Responsibilities

• Obtain supplier quotes and procure materials needed to support manufacturing and project requirements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned suppliers and maintain productive supplier relationships.
• Monitor open purchase orders and work with suppliers to track and maintain expected delivery dates.
• Closely manage critical material orders to help prevent disruptions to manufacturing.
• Monitor raw material, in-transit, and consignment inventory levels.
• Maintain MRP planning data and coordinate material deliveries to minimize both shortages and excess inventory.
• Perform production and project material planning, including creating and maintaining material allocations and pick lists.
• Author and review supply chain and quality-related documentation, including SOPs, specifications, Supplier Non- Conformances, and quarterly DEA reporting.
• Assist with cycle counts and physical inventories to support inventory accuracy.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives that improve supply chain efficiency, compliance, and cost effectiveness.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous inventory management experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, primarily Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and issue-resolution skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and changing environment.
• Demonstrated initiative and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Preferred Knowledge And Experience

• Experience with SAP or another ERP system.
• Previous experience purchasing or procuring materials.
• Experience working within a cGMP-regulated environment.
• Production planning experience.
• Associate or bachelor's degree in Supply Chain or a related field.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Experience working with suppliers and resolving material availability or delivery issues.

Key Competencies

• Planning & Organization
• Attention to Detail
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Communication & Collaboration
• Negotiation
• Problem Solving
• Inventory Management
• Accountability & Follow-Through
• Continuous Improvement

What You'll Gain

• Hands-on experience in procurement, production planning, and inventory management.
• Increased exposure to supplier management and manufacturing operations.
• Experience using supply chain planning processes and ERP systems.
• Opportunities to contribute directly to improvements in inventory accuracy, material availability, and operational efficiency.
• An opportunity to develop additional skills and pursue continued career growth within Afton Scientific.