Supply Planner

Basildon, Essex | £40,000 - £45,000 | Monday to Friday | 37.5 Hours Are you an experienced Supply Planner, Production Planner or Supply Chain professional looking for a role where you can take real ownership of supplier performance, inventory availability and end-to-end supply? We are recruiting a Supply Planner to join an established organisation operating within a regulated, fast-paced environment. Working closely with the Head of Planning, you will play a key role in ensuring products are available when required by managing supply plans, purchase orders and external manufacturing partners. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys being at the centre of the supply chain balancing demand, inventory, supplier capacity and manufacturing lead times while identifying potential risks before they impact customers. What Youll Need To be considered for this role, applicants must have: A degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, Operations Management or a related discipline, OR equivalent relevant Supply Chain Planning experience Experience working with Contract Manufacturing Organisations (CMOs) Experience within UK Supply Planning, Production Planning, Procurement, Supply Chain or Operations within a manufacturing or regulated environment Experience managing purchase orders and supplier relationships, including monitoring production schedules and delivery performance Experience using an ERP system, such as Microsoft Dynamics A good understanding of Supply Chain Planning principles, including inventory management, replenishment planning and supplier management Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends and communicate supply risks effectively Excellent planning and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities Strong communication and stakeholder management skills The ability to monitor supplier performance and manage order status reporting Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills High attention to detail and data accuracy Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint The Role As Supply Planner, you will manage the supply planning and purchase order process with external suppliers and Contract Manufacturing Organisations (CMOs), ensuring products are available in line with business demand requirements. Working closely with Demand Planning, Commercial, Customer Services, Logistics, Quality, Regulatory and Finance, your responsibilities will include: Creating, issuing and managing purchase orders with CMOs and external suppliers Monitoring orders from placement through production to receipt, ensuring agreed timelines are achieved Liaising regularly with suppliers regarding production schedules, capacity constraints, material availability and shipment dates Tracking and reporting supplier performance, including OTIF, delivery and service performance Reviewing forecast changes and assessing their impact on supplier requirements and inventory levels Monitoring inventory and recommending replenishment activity to maintain agreed stock levels Identifying potential supply shortages, delays and risks and proactively communicating recovery plans Ensuring supply plans reflect manufacturing lead times, capacity constraints and business priorities Maintaining accurate supply planning, supplier and purchase order information within the ERP system Producing regular reports covering supplier performance, order status, inventory and supply plan adherence You will also support monthly supply reviews, scenario planning and continuous improvement initiatives designed to strengthen supplier performance, service levels and overall supply chain efficiency. Highly Desirable It would be particularly advantageous if you have: Knowledge of pharmaceutical supply chain processes Understanding of GDP/GMP requirements Evidence of continued professional development within Supply Chain, Planning or Operations Package