Strategic Supply Chain Planner — Demand, Sourcing & Inventory

Strategic Supply Chain Planner — Demand, Sourcing & Inventory

Full-Time 40000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Azenta Life Sciences

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Plan and optimise supply chain processes to meet customer demand and inventory targets.
  • Company: Join Azenta, a forward-thinking company driving innovation in life sciences.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work culture.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while ensuring supply continuity.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field; experience in demand planning preferred.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 55000 £ per year.

At Azenta, new ideas, new technologies and new ways of thinking are driving our future. Our customer focused culture encourages employees to embrace innovation and challenge the status quo with novel thinking and collaborative work relationships. All we accomplish is grounded in our core values of Customer Focus, Achievement, Accountability, Teamwork, Employee Value and Integrity.

The Instrument Buyer is responsible for ensuring the timely procurement of raw materials, components, and consumables, as well as planning production schedules to meet customer demand and inventory targets. This role plays a critical part in maintaining supply continuity, optimizing inventory levels, and supporting manufacturing operations in a regulated life sciences environment.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop, maintain, and improve accurate demand forecasts to support production and purchasing plans.
  • Source and purchase raw materials, components, and indirect supplies in compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
  • Ensure materials and products are available to meet production schedules and customer demand to achieve On Time Delivery (OTD).
  • Monitor stock levels and consumption rates to anticipate supply needs, avoid stockouts, and reduce excess inventory.
  • Negotiate pricing, lead times, and terms with suppliers to achieve cost savings and secure reliable supply.
  • Maintain accurate purchase orders and ensure timely delivery of goods.
  • Lead regular planning meetings to review production schedules, inventory status, and forecast updates.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure quality and reliability and lead Quarterly Business Reviews with key suppliers.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain process to increase efficiency and responsiveness.

Metrics:

  • On-Time Delivery to Customer Request Date
  • At Target Safety Stock
  • Inventory Turns
  • Revenue Target

Qualifications & Skills:

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field; APICS certification or equivalent is a plus.
  • Proven experience in demand planning and purchasing in a production-driven environment (life sciences or similar regulated industry preferred).
  • Solid understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes, including procurement, production planning, and inventory management.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and align cross-functional teams.
  • High attention to detail, problem-solving capability, and a proactive, continuous improvement mindset.

Strategic Supply Chain Planner — Demand, Sourcing & Inventory employer: Azenta Life Sciences

At Azenta, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and innovative work environment where employees are encouraged to think creatively and collaborate effectively. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous training opportunities and a culture that values integrity and teamwork, making us an exceptional employer in the life sciences sector. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys not only competitive benefits but also the chance to make a meaningful impact in supply chain management.

Azenta Life Sciences

Contact Details:

Azenta Life Sciences Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Strategic Supply Chain Planner — Demand, Sourcing & Inventory

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want you to show how your skills align with their values, especially around customer focus and teamwork. Tailor your answers to reflect their core values!

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. We suggest focusing on common supply chain scenarios and how you’d handle them, so you’re ready to impress when it counts.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. We recommend mentioning something specific from your conversation to remind them of your great fit for the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Supply Chain Planner — Demand, Sourcing & Inventory

Demand Forecasting
Procurement
Production Planning
Inventory Management
Negotiation Skills
Supplier Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Strategic Supply Chain Planner role. Highlight your experience in demand planning, purchasing, and any relevant certifications like APICS. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about supply chain management and how your background fits with our customer-focused culture. We love seeing candidates who embrace innovation and challenge the status quo.

Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to optimise inventory levels and improve supply chain processes. Numbers speak volumes, so if you’ve saved costs or improved delivery times, let us know!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Azenta!

How to prepare for a job interview at Azenta Life Sciences

Know Your Supply Chain Basics

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of end-to-end supply chain processes. Understand how procurement, production planning, and inventory management work together. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you’re well-prepared for the role.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Be ready to discuss how you've developed and maintained demand forecasts in previous roles. Use specific examples to illustrate your problem-solving capabilities and how you’ve used data to make informed decisions. This is crucial for a Strategic Supply Chain Planner.

Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios

Since negotiating with suppliers is a key part of the job, think of past experiences where you successfully negotiated pricing or terms. Be prepared to discuss your approach and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to secure reliable supply while achieving cost savings.

Emphasise Teamwork and Communication

Highlight your experience in leading planning meetings and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Share examples of how you’ve built strong relationships with suppliers and stakeholders. This will show that you align with Azenta’s core values of teamwork and customer focus.