Senior Materials Planner Buyer (Manufacturing)

Overview

In this role you will secure procurement of goods and raw materials while supporting cost-down initiatives, favorable payment terms, and supplier contracts. You will help ensure robust, cost-efficient supply chains that align with production plans. You will collaborate across teams to optimize sourcing, lead times, and supplier performance, contributing to lean improvements and operational efficiency. This is a hands-on role in a manufacturing environment where timely materials availability drives plant productivity and customer delivery.

Pay / Benefits

• 25 Days Holiday + 8 Bank Holidays
• 7% Employer Pension Contribution
• Westfield Health Medical Cash Plan
• Death in Service Benefit of 4 x salary
• Cycle scheme (After probation period)
• 10% of salary in shares after 1 year

Responsibilities

• Manage all purchasing activities for goods and/or raw materials, including sourcing, negotiations, placing orders, and follow-up.
• Negotiate prices and lead times with non-contracted vendors; resolve quotation conflicts with suppliers.
• Review drawings to estimate material type and quantity; evaluate specifications to identify best sourcing options.
• Analyze sourcing trends and implement corrective actions, including supplier changes or rework.
• Monitor purchase price variances and resolve supplier issues; coordinate procurement with management and customers.
• Research alternate vendors during shortages; plan and schedule material requirements to meet demand (MPS/MRP).
• Expedite orders and maintain supplier delivery performance to support the production plan.
• Actively manage supplier delivery performance using KPIs and routine reviews; participate in Lean/5S improvements.

Key requirements

• Proven materials management and purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with casting and machining, including managing subcontract shops.
• Track record of cost-reduction achievements and improving net working capital through terms, inventory, and stocking policies.
• Experience with scheduling, MRP, MPS and consignment stocking.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to interact across all levels of the organization and with external suppliers.
• Ability to work autonomously and in a small team; detail-oriented.

• proactive problem solving
• diplomatic communication
• detail orientation
• MRP
• MPS
• kanban

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