At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supply chain operations, manage inventory, and optimise purchasing processes.
- Company: Join a global leader in healthcare products with strong values and stability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £45,000 plus benefits and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with autonomy and the chance to challenge the status quo.
- Why this job: Make impactful decisions that enhance product availability and customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in supply chain roles, strong analytical skills, and advanced Excel proficiency.
A privately owned global leader in the healthcare products industry is seeking a Senior Supply Buyer-Planner to strengthen its high-performing Supply Chain function. This is a role for someone who thrives on autonomy, challenges assumptions, and brings sharp analytical thinking to complex supply-demand environments.
You’ll support the Head of Supply Chain in driving operational excellence across planning, purchasing, inventory optimisation, supplier performance, and data accuracy. In their absence, you’ll confidently lead meetings, represent the function, and ensure continuity of decision-making.
This is a role for someone who is naturally inquisitive, confident, and comfortable questioning the status quo to improve processes, accuracy, and outcomes.
Role Purpose
You will ensure the effective and efficient operation of supply and demand planning activities. Your work will directly impact product availability, inventory health, supplier performance, and the success of the monthly S&OP cycle.
You will play a key role in:
- Balancing supply and demand
- Improving OTIF performance
- Maximising stock availability
- Reducing excess and obsolete inventory
- Maintaining accurate ERP data
- Supporting continuous improvement across the supply chain
Key Responsibilities
Supply & Inventory Planning
- Manage demand forecasts, supply plans, and inventory levels
- Analyse variances and adjust plans proactively
- Maintain optimal stock levels across product ranges
Purchasing
- Raise and manage purchase orders
- Build strong supplier relationships
- Monitor supplier performance and delivery accuracy
ERP & Data Management
- Maintain accurate product, supplier, and inventory data
- Ensure system integrity and alignment with planning cycles
- Support continuous improvement of ERP processes
Operational Support
- Support daily supply chain operations
- Troubleshoot supply issues and escalate where needed
- Lead meetings in the absence of the Head of Supply Chain
Process & Compliance
- Challenge existing processes and propose improvements
- Ensure compliance with internal controls and standards
- Support continuous improvement initiatives
Communication & Collaboration
- Work closely with suppliers, commercial teams, logistics, and senior stakeholders
- Communicate risks, opportunities, and recommendations clearly
- Contribute to a smooth and effective S&OP cycle.
Requirements
- Confident leadership – able to work independently and lead meetings when required
- Inquisitive mindset – naturally questions processes and seeks better ways of working
- End-to-end supply chain understanding – forecasting, demand/supply balancing, variances, inventory optimisation
- Stakeholder communication strength – credible, clear, and effective with senior leaders
- Advanced Excel capability – pivot tables, complex formulas, large-data analysis
- ERP proficiency – confident managing data accuracy and system integrity
- Attention to detail – meticulous, structured, and reliable
- 4+ years’ experience in supply chain, planning, or buyer-planner roles
- Backgrounds welcomed from manufacturing, logistics, consumer goods, retail, or any product-based industry
Benefits
This position sits at the heart of supply chain performance. Your decisions will directly influence product availability, customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and financial outcomes. You’ll be joining a global organisation with strong values, long-term stability, and a commitment to excellence.
Salary Of Up to £45,000 Plus Benefits
Senior Buyer & Planner in Haywards Heath employer: OM Search Consultants LTD
Join a privately owned global leader in the healthcare products industry, where your role as a Senior Buyer & Planner will be pivotal in driving operational excellence within a high-performing supply chain team. Enjoy a supportive work culture that values autonomy and encourages continuous improvement, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development. With a commitment to employee well-being and a focus on impactful decision-making, this is an excellent opportunity for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer & Planner in Haywards Heath
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Get yourself out there by attending supply chain meetups and industry events. It's a great way to meet fellow professionals, learn about trends, and maybe even hear about job openings before they’re posted online.
✨Show Off Your Skills on LinkedIn
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities! Post insights or articles on LinkedIn about supply chain challenges or solutions you’re passionate about. This not only showcases your expertise but can catch the eye of recruiters looking for someone like you.
✨Engage with Supply Chain Communities
Dive into online communities related to supply chain operations like forums or groups on Reddit and LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions can help you network, get advice, and you might even stumble upon some hidden job opportunities.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you spot a position at OM Search Consultants LTD, make sure to apply through our website directly. It's often the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role of Senior Buyer & Planner.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer & Planner in Haywards Heath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in supply chain operations. Whether it’s managing logistics or coordinating with suppliers, we want to see examples of how you've navigated the complexities of the supply chain. Concrete achievements, like reducing costs or improving delivery times, will definitely catch our eye!
Quantify Your Impact:When listing your previous roles on your CV, go for numbers! Mention percentages or actual figures where possible—like how much you've improved efficiency or reduced waste. It's all about showing us the tangible impact you've made in your past positions in supply chain operations.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, don’t just regurgitate your CV. Instead, connect your experiences specifically to the role at OM Search Consultants LTD. Share why you're passionate about supply chain operations and how this full-time role aligns with your career goals—I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear that!
Research and Reflect:Before you apply, take some time to research OM Search Consultants LTD and its supply chain operations. Reflect on how your skills and experiences can fit into their operations. Being able to discuss their challenges and how you can contribute to solving them in your application will really make you stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at OM Search Consultants LTD
✨Know Your Basics in Supply Chain Management
Make sure you've got a solid grasp of key supply chain concepts like demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics. We could be quizzed on these during technical rounds, so brush up on any software tools commonly used in the industry like SAP or Oracle. This knowledge will help us show we can hit the ground running!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss real-world scenarios where you've used data analysis to solve supply chain challenges. If you've got experience with tools like Excel or Tableau, get ready to talk about how you've used these to optimise processes or improve efficiencies. Employers love seeing that we can turn data into actionable insights!
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Project Management Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Think of examples where you've worked on cross-functional teams or managed projects. Sharing how you navigated challenges while working with diverse groups will show that we can thrive in a dynamic environment like at OM Search Consultants LTD.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by OM Search Consultants LTD
Look into any unique supply chain challenges OM Search Consultants LTD might be facing, whether it's sustainability, supplier relationships, or global disruptions. Being prepared to discuss these topics shows that we're not only informed but also genuinely interested in how we can contribute to their success. That’s a big plus in any interview!
