Junior Buyer in Preston

About FMP: Flexible Medical Packaging Limited (FMP) is part of Clinimed Holding Limited, a group of companies founded in 1982. FMP offers a first-class turnkey service of sterile and non-sterile products for the healthcare provision. It is our mission to ensure that our customers are completely satisfied with the quality of our work and service.

Job Summary: To ensure the continuous availability of materials and effective supplier performance in support of uninterrupted business operations, while optimising cost, mitigating risk, and maintaining compliance with company and regulatory standards.

Benefits:

• Contributory Pension Scheme (5% Employer Contribution Raises up to 10% with Service)
• Medical Cash Back Plan (Simply Health)
• Life Assurance (4 x Annual Gross)
• Annual Performance Bonus
• Annual Pay Review
• Work Life Balance
• Employee Referral Scheme
• Free Yearly Flu Vaccination
• Onsite Free Car Parking
• Employee Assistance Programme – Health and Wellbeing
• 25 days per annum rising to 27 after 5 years’ service (plus 8 Bank Holidays and one company day)

Role Overview: The Buyer (MRP & Sourcing) is responsible for ensuring the timely, cost-effective, and compliant supply of materials required to support operational and production activities. This is achieved through effective management of MRP processes, strategic sourcing activities, and proactive supplier relationship and performance management.

Key Responsibilities:

• MRP & Supply Planning: Manage and maintain MRP parameters, including lead times, safety stock levels, and reorder points. Convert system-generated demand signals into purchase orders. Monitor inventory levels to balance material availability, working capital, and obsolescence risk. Expedite or defer orders in response to changing demand and supply conditions. Maintain accurate and up-to-date data within ERP/MRP systems.
• Sourcing & Supplier Management: Identify, source, and onboard new suppliers in line with business requirements. Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, and supply agreements. Manage supplier relationships as the primary point of contact. Monitor supplier performance, including OTIF, quality, and responsiveness metrics. Develop contingency and dual-sourcing strategies to minimise supply risk.
• Procurement Execution: Raise and manage purchase orders from creation through to delivery. Resolve supply-related issues, including shortages, delays, and quality concerns. Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders including Production, QA, Finance, and R&D teams.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure suppliers meet all relevant regulatory, quality, and ethical standards. Maintain approved supplier lists and supporting documentation. Support internal and external audits and ensure full material traceability. Identify, assess, and mitigate supply chain risks. Act as system owner for procurement-related documentation within the Single Point document management system, ensuring all information remains accurate, current, and compliant with governance standards.
• Cost & Performance Management: Drive cost-saving and cost-avoidance initiatives. Analyse suppliers spend and identify opportunities for improvement and efficiency gains. Support budgeting and forecasting activities through accurate procurement planning and reporting.

Personal Specifications:

• Essential: Qualification in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Logistics, or a related field is desirable but not essential. Good organisational and communication skills. Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks. Basic IT skills, including Microsoft Excel and Outlook. Ability to work well within a team and build relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders. Problem-solving mindset with a willingness to learn.
• Desirable: Previous experience in administration, purchasing, supply chain, manufacturing, or customer service. Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems. Interest in procurement and supply chain as a long-term career.