Buyer Planner

Job Description:

Job Title: Planner Buyer £35,000 on site

Location: Burton-on-Trent
Company: Manufacturing
Reporting to: Senior Buyer

Job Purpose

The Planner Buyer will be responsible for planning and purchasing components, materials, and services to support production schedules. The role ensures the right materials are available at the right time, in the right quantity, and at the right cost, while supporting a fast-paced SME manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Planning

• Create and maintain production and material plans based on sales forecasts, customer demand, and capacity.
• Monitor MRP outputs and adjust plans to meet changing demand and priorities.
• Work closely with production, engineering, and sales to align plans and resolve shortages.
• Maintain accurate planning data including lead times, minimum order quantities, and safety stock levels.

Buying & Procurement

• Purchase components, mechanical parts, and consumables in line with production requirements.
• Help supplier relationships, including pricing, lead times, and delivery performance.
• Expedite orders and resolve supply issues to minimise production disruption.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and support supplier negotiations.
• Source alternative suppliers or components where necessary to reduce risk.

Inventory Management

• Balance stock availability with inventory value to meet business targets.
• Monitor excess, obsolete, and slow-moving stock and support corrective actions.
• Carry out regular supplier and internal stock reviews.

Operational Support

• Support new product introductions (NPI) by ensuring materials are sourced and available on time.
• Maintain accurate records within the ERP/MRP system.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across planning and procurement.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Experience in a Planner Buyer, Materials Planner, or Purchasing role within manufacturing.
• Understanding of components and supply chains.
• Experience using MRP/ERP systems.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a dynamic SME environment and manage changing priorities.
• Good communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.

Desirable

• Experience in mechanical manufacturing.
• Knowledge of supply chain risk management and component lifecycle issues.
• CIPS qualification or working towards (or equivalent experience).
• Experience supporting NPI activities.

Personal Attributes

• Proactive and hands-on approach.
• Comfortable working with detail and data.
• Commercially aware with a practical mindset.
• Flexible and adaptable in a growing business.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience).
• Opportunity to make a real impact in a growing SME.
• Collaborative and supportive working environment.
• On-site role in Burton-on-Trent