Planning & Purchasing Coordinator

If you thrive on solving problems before they become fires, and get a kick out of a well-run schedule and a supplier who delivers on time, keep reading.

The role involves taking ownership of production planning, materials requirements, procurement, supplier relationships and stock performance - making sure the right materials, components and products are in the right place, at the right time, in the right quantities.

Working across production, procurement, purchasing, sales, logistics and finance, you'll be the link that translates customer demand into achievable production plans while keeping inventory under control. It's a fast-paced manufacturing environment where priorities shift, so you'll need to be confident re-planning on the fly and keeping a cool head when supply throws you a curveball.

What you'll be doing:

• Production planning - building and maintaining detailed production plans and schedules from demand, forecasts, stock and capacity; monitoring progress, spotting delays and constraints early, and re-planning as demand, materials or capacity change.
• Materials planning & procurement - calculating material and component requirements, raising and managing purchase orders, working with suppliers to hit lead times, and keeping stock at the right level to avoid both shortages and excess. Supporting negotiations on pricing, MOQs, lead times and delivery, and keeping ERP/MRP data accurate.
• Supplier relationships - acting as a key point of contact for suppliers, building strong long‑term partnerships, monitoring performance on quality, cost, lead time and reliability, and resolving delivery issues quickly to protect production.
• Stock & inventory - monitoring raw materials, WIP and finished goods, keeping stock cover healthy, flagging slow‑moving or obsolete stock, and investigating discrepancies.
• Reporting & analysis - tracking planning and manufacturing KPIs, producing clear reports on risks, shortages and opportunities, and using Excel and ERP/MRP data to support commercially focused decisions.

What we're looking for:

Proven experience in manufacturing, production or materials planning, procurement or purchasing, gained within a manufacturing or production environment. You'll have strong analytical and numerical skills, excellent Excel and data capability, and hands‑on experience with ERP/MRP systems.

Just as important is how you work: highly organised with sharp attention to detail, a confident communicator across multiple departments, a genuine relationship‑builder with suppliers and internal teams, and commercially minded with a focus on cost, efficiency and service. You'll be resilient, calm under pressure, and quick to make decisions when production requirements change.

Nice to have (but not essential):

Experience planning materials and components for production, managing supplier relationships and procurement, working with international suppliers, finite/infinite capacity planning, and a relevant qualification in manufacturing, supply chain, procurement or business.

Salary, hours & benefits:

• Salary of £30-36k depending on experience
• 33 days annual leave
• Employee Ownership Trust — you'll be part of an employee‑owned business, with a genuine stake in its success
• Working hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm Monday to Thursday, with an early 4:00pm finish on Fridays
• Regular team events
• Monthly rewards
• On-site parking

Why join?

A real chance to join an established, employee‑owned Yorkshire manufacturing business and become the linchpin of its planning operation. Plenty of ownership, plenty of variety, real influence over how things run - and, as part of an Employee Ownership Trust, a genuine share in the success you help create.