Job Opportunity: Purchasing & Planning Coordinator (Raw Materials & Packaging)
Location: Wellingborough, Northamptonshire
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £28,000 – £32,000 (Depending on experience)
About the Role
A growing specialist manufacturer in the chemical sector is seeking a Purchasing & Planning Coordinator to manage raw material and packaging procurement, stock control, and production planning.
This is a hands-on role in a small, fast-paced manufacturing environment, ideal for someone with experience in supply chain or planning roles within a regulated or process-driven industry.
Key Responsibilities
Purchasing (Raw Materials & Packaging)
* Source and procure raw materials, additives, solvents, and packaging
* Monitor supplier lead times, pricing, and minimum order quantities (MOQs)
* Build and maintain strong supplier relationships
* Manage purchase orders, delivery schedules, and relevant documentation (SDS, COAs)
Demand Planning & Forecasting
* Work with sales and management to manage rolling forecasts
* Translate forecasts into purchasing and production requirements
* Adjust planning based on seasonality, customer orders, and market trends
Inventory Management
* Monitor inventory of raw materials, packaging, and finished goods
* Maintain accurate stock records and conduct regular cycle counts
* Highlight slow-moving or obsolete inventory and recommend actions
Production Planning
* Plan production schedules based on customer orders and batch efficiencies
* Coordinate with production and laboratory teams to ensure raw material availability
* Optimise capacity planning to reduce downtime
Systems & Reporting
* Maintain purchasing and inventory data within ERP/MRP systems
* Generate reports on stock levels, purchasing KPIs, and forecast accuracy
* Track actual usage vs. forecast and investigate variances
Required Skills & Experience
Essential
* 2+ years in a buyer/purchasing or planning role within manufacturing (ideally chemicals or raw materials)
* Strong organisational and planning skills
* Solid Excel skills (lookups, pivot tables, formulas)
* Understanding of supply chain processes and cost impact of purchasing decisions
* Awareness of health & safety and regulatory compliance (e.g. SDS, REACH)
Desirable
* Background in chemical, resin, or polyurethane-based industries
* Familiarity with ERP or MRP software
* Experience in a small business/SME environment
* Knowledge of Incoterms and international material shipping
Personal Attributes
* Proactive and detail-oriented
* Calm under pressure and good at problem-solving
* Strong communication skills across all levels
* Team player with a flexible, hands-on approach
What’s on Offer
* An opportunity to make a real impact in a growing business
* Supportive, close-knit team environment
* Career progression in supply chain and operations
* Competitive salary and benefits