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.