At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to optimise supply chain strategies and ensure seamless operations.
- Company: Armstrong Fluid Technology, a leader in fluid-flow innovation with a global community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for continuous learning and improvement.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and sustainability in technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Supply Chain Management or related field; experience in purchasing preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Imagine working at the forefront of innovation in fluid‑flow technology, with over 1400 colleagues across the globe, and contributing to a legacy of excellence that spans eight manufacturing facilities on four continents. Armstrong Fluid Technology is more than just a leader in our industry; we are a community of the brightest and most creative minds, driven by a shared mission to engineer the future and safeguard our planet. As a member of our team, you'll dive into an environment that encourages learning and boundary‑pushing every day. You'll be part of an agile and dynamic workplace where today's solutions are built for tomorrow's challenges.
As a Senior Buyer Planner, you will play a critical role in aligning demand, supply, and production strategies to ensure optimal service levels, cost efficiency, and operational excellence. You will operate within a highly collaborative and agile environment, supporting end‑to‑end supply chain planning while contributing to key business decisions and continuous improvement initiatives.
Role Overview
The Senior Buyer Planner is responsible for developing and executing integrated supply chain plans that balance demand forecasts, inventory targets, and production capacity. This role combines planning with operational execution, ensuring material availability while optimizing working capital and supplier performance. You will act as a key interface between procurement, production, logistics, and commercial teams, providing data‑driven insights and proactive risk management to support business continuity and growth.
Key Accountabilities
- Supply & Demand Planning: Support the end‑to‑end supply planning process, aligning demand forecasts with production and procurement strategies. Translate sales forecasts into actionable supply plans, considering capacity, lead times, and inventory policies. Participate in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes, ensuring cross‑functional alignment and forecast accuracy. Monitor and manage inventory levels to achieve an optimal balance between service levels and working capital.
- Procurement & Supplier Strategy: Review material requirements planning (MRP) outputs and support timely and accurate execution of supply plans. Collaborate with procurement teams to support supplier strategies focused on resilience, cost, and performance. Support supplier performance reviews, including KPIs for delivery, quality, and responsiveness. Assist with strategic sourcing initiatives and cost reduction programs aligned with business objectives. Support negotiations with suppliers to secure competitive pricing, lead times, and service agreements.
- Operational Execution & Expediting: Proactively monitor supply risks, identifying potential shortages and supporting mitigation plans. Support escalation processes for critical supply issues, ensuring minimal disruption to production and customer delivery. Coordinate closely with production planning to maintain schedule adherence and resolve constraints. Support logistics and shipment consolidation strategies to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
- Data, Systems & Continuous Improvement: Maintain planning parameters within ERP/MRP systems, ensuring data integrity (lead times, MOQ, safety stock, etc.). Analyse supply chain performance metrics and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and 5S principles. Identify opportunities to improve planning processes, tools, and system capabilities. Contribute to digital transformation and supply chain optimisation projects.
What We’re Looking For
Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field. Member of Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply Chain (MCIPS/CIPS) or working towards this qualification is desirable. Substantial work experience in purchasing or supply chain roles, preferably within a manufacturing or production environment. Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems. Proven experience working with global or local suppliers in a fast‑paced production setting.
Soft Skills: Strong negotiation and communication skills. Highly organized with excellent attention to detail. Able to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities effectively. Collaborative mindset with the ability to work cross‑functionally. Problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities in a time‑sensitive environment.
Technical Skills: Proficient in ERP/MRP systems for purchasing and inventory management. Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel. Understanding of supply chain workflows, lead times, and logistics. Knowledge of quality standards, supplier audits, and compliance processes.
Why Armstrong Fluid Technology? By joining us, you’ll become part of a global community dedicated to pushing the boundaries of fluid‑flow technology. You’ll have endless opportunities to learn, grow, and make a significant impact on the world. Together, we’ll build tomorrow’s solutions today. Please note that we do not offer sponsorships, you must have the right to work and live in the UK.
Senior Buyer Planner in Manchester employer: Armstrong Fluid Technology
Armstrong Fluid Technology is an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative work culture in the heart of Manchester, where innovation meets sustainability. Employees benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities and a commitment to enhancing manufacturing processes that not only drive profitability but also contribute positively to the environment. Join us to be part of a team that values your expertise and encourages impactful contributions to fluid-flow technology.
Contact Details:
Armstrong Fluid Technology Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer Planner in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Armstrong Fluid Technology on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Senior Buyer Planner role. Personal connections can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the company’s values and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for fluid-flow technology and how you can contribute to our mission of engineering the future.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Buyer Planner, you’ll need to showcase your ability to negotiate with suppliers. Role-play scenarios with a friend or mentor to build your confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our community at Armstrong Fluid Technology.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer Planner in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Buyer Planner role. Highlight relevant experience in supply chain management and any specific achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how your skills can contribute to our innovative team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about fluid-flow technology and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our community. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through!
Showcase Your Soft Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your soft skills, like negotiation and collaboration. These are crucial for the Senior Buyer Planner role. We’re looking for someone who can work well with others and tackle challenges head-on, so make sure to give examples of how you've done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Armstrong Fluid Technology!
How to prepare for a job interview at Armstrong Fluid Technology
✨Know Your Supply Chain Inside Out
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of supply chain management principles, especially those relevant to the role of a Senior Buyer Planner. Be prepared to discuss how you would align demand forecasts with production strategies and share examples from your past experiences.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Since strong negotiation skills are crucial for this position, think of specific instances where you've successfully negotiated with suppliers or resolved conflicts. Highlight your approach and the outcomes, as this will demonstrate your capability to secure competitive pricing and service agreements.
✨Be Data-Driven
Arm yourself with data! Familiarise yourself with key performance metrics in supply chain management and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. This will show that you can contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and support business continuity effectively.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role requires a collaborative mindset, so prepare to talk about how you've worked cross-functionally in the past. Share examples of how you’ve coordinated with procurement, production, and logistics teams to achieve common goals, showcasing your ability to thrive in an agile environment.
