Planner Buyer

Job description

A growing medical technology services organisation is seeking an experienced Planner / Buyer to support R&D and manufacturing operations within a regulated environment. This is a hands-on role with real scope to influence supply chain performance in a scaling business serving UK and international clients.

The company provides contract design, development, and manufacturing services to medical device OEMs, with deep expertise in point-of-care diagnostics, disposable components, assay development, and in-house manufacturing.

The Role

You will be responsible for planning and procurement of materials, components, and services to ensure uninterrupted supply across R&D projects and commercial manufacturing. Operating in a multi-client environment, you will manage competing priorities while working closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Finance teams.

This role offers the opportunity to play a key part in developing and strengthening supply chain processes, systems, and supplier relationships as the organisation continues to grow.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Materials Planning

• Develop and maintain production and material plans aligned to demand forecasts, sales orders, and inventory targets
• Process customer purchase orders accurately and compliantly
• Coordinate with R&D, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure material availability
• Communicate supply risks, mitigation plans, and status updates to stakeholders
• Liaise with customers, suppliers, and logistics partners to ensure timely delivery of finished goods

Procurement & Purchasing

• Source, negotiate, and procure raw materials, reagents, consumables, and production supplies
• Place purchase orders in line with lead times, order quantities, and approved supplier requirements
• Manage supplier performance, resolving issues around cost, quality, or delivery
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and regulatory standards (ISO, GMP, FDA where applicable)
• Maintain accurate purchasing and supplier qualification records

Inventory & Systems

• Monitor inventory levels and support replenishment strategies
• Support cycle counting and inventory reconciliation
• Contribute to ERP / MRP system development and optimisation
• Act as a subject matter expert for ERP processes over time

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Work cross-functionally with R&D, Manufacturing, QA/QC, and Finance
• Support supplier audits, onboarding, and improvement initiatives
• Deliver sourcing projects for new materials and components
• Track and report key supply chain KPIs

Essential Experience & Skills

• HND or Degree in a relevant discipline
• Proven experience in a Planner / Buyer or similar supply chain role within a regulated industry
• Working knowledge of ISO 13485 or equivalent quality standards
• Good understanding of GMP principles
• Experience using ERP systems (e.g. MS Dynamics Business Central or similar)
• Strong Excel capability and analytical skills
• Ability to interpret technical specifications and drawings
• Sound understanding of supply, demand, and inventory control principles
• Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
• Willing and physically able to undertake manual duties where required

Desirable

• Experience in medical devices, diagnostics, pharma, or CDMO environments
• International shipping and incoterms knowledge
• Experience handling hazardous materials
• Six Sigma / process excellence exposure
• Forklift licence
• Experience implementing new supply chain processes and procedures

Why Apply?

This is a chance to join a technically advanced, fast-growing organisation where supply chain capability is critical to success. You’ll have genuine influence, exposure to cutting-edge diagnostic technologies, and the opportunity to shape how the function evolves.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Livingston

Type of Contract

Casual / Part Time Jobs

Published at

18-12-2025

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English