At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage production schedules and purchase materials to keep operations running smoothly.
- Company: Join a dynamic manufacturing team focused on efficiency and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with plenty of opportunities to learn and grow.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of operations, ensuring everything runs like clockwork.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning or purchasing, with strong IT and communication skills.
We are looking for a Planner and Purchaser to manage production schedules, purchase materials, and ensure stock levels support operational requirements. The successful candidate will work closely with suppliers and internal teams to keep materials flowing, costs controlled, and production running smoothly.
The Planner and Purchaser is responsible for ensuring materials, components, and services are ordered and available in line with production requirements. The role combines demand planning, inventory control, supplier management, and purchasing administration to support efficient operations and uninterrupted supply.
Key Responsibilities:- Plan and maintain production/material schedules to meet customer demand and manufacturing requirements.
- Raise and manage purchase orders, ensuring accuracy of item details, quantities, pricing, and delivery dates.
- Monitor stock levels, safety stocks, and inventory accuracy, taking action to prevent shortages or excess stock.
- Liaise with suppliers to confirm lead times, resolve issues, and maintain continuity of supply.
- Work closely with production, warehouse, operations, and finance teams to align planning and purchasing activities.
- Review supplier performance, pricing, quality, and delivery performance, escalating risks where needed.
- Support forecasting, materials requirements planning, and schedule changes in response to demand shifts or production issues.
- Maintain accurate data in ERP/MRP systems and produce reports on stock, purchasing, and supply performance.
- Experience in production planning, purchasing, or supply chain administration, ideally in manufacturing.
- Strong understanding of stock control, procurement processes, and material planning.
- Good negotiation, communication, and relationship-management skills.
- Strong IT skills, including ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel.
- Excellent attention to detail, organisation, and problem-solving ability.
- Ability to work under pressure and respond quickly to shortages, delays, or production changes.
- Proactive and commercially aware.
- Highly organised and methodical.
- Strong team player with a hands-on approach.
- Able to balance priorities and make decisions in a fast-paced environment.
Planner and Purchaser employer: Pickles Recruitment
As a Planner and Purchaser at our company, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation. We offer competitive benefits, including professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career, all while working in a supportive environment that values your contributions. Located in a vibrant area, our company provides a unique advantage with easy access to suppliers and resources, ensuring you can effectively manage production schedules and purchasing needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planner and Purchaser
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its supply chain processes. Show them you understand their needs and how you can help keep materials flowing smoothly. Tailor your answers to highlight your relevant experience!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Planner and Purchaser, you'll need to communicate effectively with suppliers. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build confidence before those crucial conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Planner and Purchaser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience in production planning and purchasing, and don’t forget to showcase your strong IT skills and attention to detail!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Planner and Purchaser role. Mention specific examples of how you've managed stock levels or liaised with suppliers in the past.
Showcase Your Team Spirit:We love team players! In your application, emphasise your ability to work closely with different teams like production, warehouse, and finance. Share any experiences where collaboration led to successful outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pickles Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Planner and Purchaser, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of stock control and inventory management. Brush up on key metrics like lead times, safety stock levels, and order quantities. Be ready to discuss how you've used these in past roles to optimise production schedules.
✨Showcase Your Supplier Savvy
This role involves liaising with suppliers, so be prepared to talk about your experience in managing supplier relationships. Think of specific examples where you’ve resolved issues or negotiated better terms. Highlight your communication skills and how they helped maintain continuity of supply.
✨Demonstrate Your Tech Skills
Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems is crucial for this position. Make sure you can discuss your experience with these systems and any relevant software, especially Microsoft Excel. If you have examples of how you've used technology to improve processes, share those!
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle pressure and respond to unexpected changes. Prepare some examples of how you've dealt with shortages or production delays in the past. Show them you can think on your feet and make decisions quickly while keeping operations running smoothly.