Procurement Specialist - Pharmaceuticals
Location: Maidstone, Kent (Hybrid)
Salary: £22,800 – £28,800 (21 hours per week)
Full-Time Equivalent: £38,000 – £48,000
Hours: 21 hours per week
Working Pattern
* Preferred: 3 full days per week (8am–4pm or 9am–5pm)
* Flexible working arrangements considered
* One working day must be Monday
* Up to 1 day per week working from home
The Opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Buyer to join a growing pharmaceutical manufacturing business in Kent.
This role combines procurement, supplier management and supplier quality activities within a regulated GMP environment. Working closely with Manufacturing, Quality and Operations teams, you will play a key role in ensuring materials, services and equipment are sourced effectively whilst maintaining supplier performance, quality standards and regulatory compliance.
This position would suit an experienced procurement professional seeking a flexible part-time opportunity within a highly regulated manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage purchasing and planning activities through the ERP system.
* Source and procure raw materials, consumables, services and equipment.
* Negotiate pricing, contracts and supplier agreements.
* Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
* Support supplier onboarding, qualification and performance management activities.
* Conduct supplier reviews and assist with supplier audits where required.
* Investigate supplier quality issues and support corrective actions.
* Maintain accurate procurement and quality documentation.
* Support GMP, customer and regulatory audits.
* Assist with CAPAs, deviations, change controls and other quality management activities.
* Monitor supplier performance and identify potential supply chain risks.
* Develop contingency plans and alternative sourcing strategies where required.
* Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across procurement and supply chain operations.
* Support KPI reporting, supplier performance analysis and business improvement projects.
About You
Essential Requirements
* Previous experience within Procurement, Purchasing, Buying or Supply Chain.
* Experience working within a manufacturing environment.
* Strong understanding of supplier management and procurement processes.
* Experience using ERP systems.
* Good Microsoft Excel skills.
* Excellent organisational and communication skills.
* Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
* Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively across departments.
Desirable Requirements
* Experience within a regulated manufacturing environment such as Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, Life Sciences or Chemicals.
* GMP knowledge and understanding.
* Experience supporting supplier quality activities.
* Knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS).
* Experience participating in supplier audits.
* Understanding of risk management methodologies such as FMEA.
* CIPS qualification or studying towards CIPS.
Whats On Offer?
* Flexible part-time working arrangement.
* Hybrid working available.
* Opportunity to work within a regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
* Broad role covering procurement, supplier quality and continuous improvement.
* Supportive and collaborative team culture.
* Opportunity to make a visible impact within a growing organisation.