Senior Buyer/Planner

Jobot; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobot in Costa Mesa, CA is seeking a Senior Buyer/Planner to lead integrated planning, supplier selection, and cost-effective procurement for a CDMO in the biopharma space.

You will collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, and Project Management to optimize inventory, drive efficiency, and support change controls while maintaining product quality and timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Experience with supply chain planning and procurement.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain an integrated planning process aligned with demand plan.
• Identify, select, and negotiate with suppliers to ensure timely procurement.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, and Project Management for alignment on vendor selection.
• Develop and implement long- and short-term supply chain strategies using tools.

Skills

MS Office

ERP systems

MRP systems

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain, logistics, engineering, life sciences, or related field

Tools

CDMO experience

Job description

Senior Buyer/Planner

$100000 - $120000 per year | Costa Mesa, CA | On-site | Permanent

A bit about us:

We’re a growing contract development and manufacturing organization that partners with biopharmaceutical companies from early-stage process development through commercial manufacturing.

Why join us?

• Join a growing life sciences organization supporting the development and manufacturing of products that make a meaningful impact.
• Take ownership of supply chain strategy, procurement, vendor management, inventory, and material planning.
• Work closely with leadership and cross-functional teams across Manufacturing, Quality, Business Development, and Project Management.
• Help improve processes, reduce costs, and build a more efficient and scalable supply chain operation.
• Be part of a quality-driven environment that values accountability, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement.

Job Details

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create and maintain an integrated planning process that aligns leadership, Business Development, and Supply Chain with the demand plan while clearly communicating the plan’s assumptions, risks, and opportunities.
• Identify and select suppliers, negotiate contracts, and ensure the timely and cost-effective procurement of raw materials, components, and other necessary supplies.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including Microbiology, Analytical, Manufacturing, and Quality Assurance, to provide purchasing support and ensure alignment on vendor selection and performance.
• Utilize supply management software and tools to develop and implement long- and short-term supply chain strategies.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement within the supply chain and implement best practices and lean methodologies to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Negotiate, renegotiate, and manage contractual arrangements with suppliers, vendors, and other representatives to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, and Project Management, to create accurate demand forecasts and production plans.
• Monitor delivery dates to ensure goods arrive on time. When issues occur, trace shipments and follow up on delayed or undelivered goods.
• Work with internal teams and vendors to address defective or unacceptable goods or services and determine the appropriate corrective action.
• Manage material flow, inventory control, and inventory accuracy by overseeing daily warehouse activities, cycle counts, expiration dates, production orders, and audits.
• Manage product storage and distribution operations.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance to support vendor qualification, maintain vendor status, and qualify incoming materials.
• Research and evaluate suppliers based on pricing, quality, product selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production and distribution capabilities, reputation, and performance history.
• Analyze sales records and current inventory levels to develop strategic purchasing programs that ensure employees have access to necessary supplies.
• Interview vendors to evaluate products, services, capabilities, and pricing.
• Develop procurement policies and implement new purchasing strategies and procedures.
• Manage and optimize supply chain and related manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and maintain product quality, including supporting change controls, deviations, and CAPAs.
• Help foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and evaluate short- and long-range procurement plans.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Five or more years of experience in supply chain, manufacturing, or related support functions within the life sciences industry.
• Experience in aseptic manufacturing is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, logistics, engineering, life sciences, or a related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ERP systems, and MRP systems.
• Proven experience in planning, procurement, and vendor management within a CDMO environment.

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is Jobot’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

Sometimes Jobot is required to perform background checks with your authorization. Jobot will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with any applicable federal, state, or local law regarding criminal backgrounds, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.