Supply Chain Specialist in Saffron Walden

The Supply Chain Specialist will take ownership of materials planning, purchasing of bought-in goods and supplier management, making sure the right materials and products are available to meet manufacturing and customer demand, while controlling cost and inventory. You will report to our Supply Chain Manager and work alongside our pricing, purchasing and logistics colleagues, and closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, Sales and Finance. This is an office-based role, at our offices in Saffron Walden.

This is a senior, hands‑on role with no direct reports. Radleys went live on Oracle NetSuite in 2026, and you will play a key part in running MRP effectively within it, keeping our data accurate and turning plans into timely, well‑executed purchasing actions. We are looking for someone who takes ownership, communicates clearly and sees things through to completion.

Our Company

Radleys was founded in 1966 by Bill Radley as a scientific glassblowing business. Nearly 60 years on, we remain a proud British manufacturer, still focused on what we do best, high quality scientific equipment for chemistry.

We design and build precision laboratory systems in house, bringing together chemists, glassblowers and engineers with decades of practical experience. Our equipment is trusted by leading pharmaceutical, biopharma, chemical and academic organisations worldwide, a reputation earned through consistent quality, technical depth and long term thinking.

We intend to build on that foundation. To do so, we need capable, detail focused people who take pride in their work and want to contribute to a business that values quality, expertise and continuous improvement.

• Plan, run and review MRP in line with production schedules and demand, and turn its recommendations into purchase orders and replenishment priorities




• Take account of bills of materials, stock, open orders, supplier capacity, lead times and minimum order quantities when placing orders




• Maintain accurate planning parameters and item and supplier data in NetSuite (lead times, safety stock, order quantities), and work with other teams to resolve BOM and inventory data issues




• Identify shortages, supply constraints and excess stock early, agree corrective actions and keep stakeholders informed of material availability and supply risks




• Balance material availability against stockholding and working capital, including reviewing slow-moving and obsolete stock




• Support new product introductions and engineering changes through timely sourcing and materials planning




• Purchase bought‑in goods and components: place purchase orders, obtain supplier confirmations and chase through to delivery, keeping delivery dates and order records accurate and up to date




• Work with existing and new suppliers to develop and strengthen relationships and supply agreements that meet the needs of the business




• Negotiate prices, lead times and other terms to improve overall value, while maintaining quality and continuity of supply




• Source and evaluate new and alternative suppliers; identify supplier and product risks and put practical mitigation in place




• Provide a central point for supplier liaison, and coordinate the resolution of delivery, quality and commercial issues through to closure




• Develop and communicate supplier performance measures (OTD, Quality etc.) and agree improvement actions with suppliers




• Report purchasing and supply chain KPIs (supplier delivery, material availability, inventory and cost), presenting clear, concise updates and recommended actions




• Take ownership of improvement actions and projects, turning ideas and plans into practical changes that are implemented, documented and followed through to completion




• Write and maintain clear purchasing and planning procedures, so that processes are consistent and easy for others to follow




• Work with other Supply Chain staff to improve systems, procedures and ERP data quality, making full use of NetSuite




• Provide cover for pricing activities, including updating, building and uploading price lists and pricing non‑standard items




• Work with Goods‑in and Finance to make sure purchased items are received correctly, and resolve order, receipt and invoice discrepancies




• Understand and support our business objectives, and carry out any other reasonable duties needed to ensure the smooth running of Supply Chain and the company in general

About you:

Skills & Experience:

• At least 5 years’ experience in purchasing, materials planning or supply chain, in a manufacturing or assembly business




• Proven, hands‑on experience of running MRP, interpreting its output and converting requirements into purchasing actions




• Strong working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems, bills of materials, lead times, inventory control and production requirements




• Supplier relationship management, including negotiation, supplier evaluation and supply agreements




• A track record of delivering improvements and seeing projects through to completion




• Strong analytical skills to understand supply and demand issues and make sound commercial decisions




• Strong organisational, time management and prioritisation skills, with the ability to work independently




• Fully IT literate with standard Microsoft Office packages, with particular strengths using Microsoft Excel




• Desirable: Practical experience of Oracle NetSuite, particularly purchasing, inventory management and MRP / supply planning




• Desirable: CIPS qualification (Level 4 or above), or a degree in supply chain, operations or a related discipline




• Desirable: Price list management, import procedures and logistics




• Desirable: Experience of improving purchasing processes, planning accuracy and supplier performance

Personal Qualities:

• Positive ‘can‑do’ attitude at all times, bringing solutions to the table




• A completer‑finisher: takes ownership and has the determination to see things through to completion




• Clear, confident communicator (written and verbal) who keeps people informed




• Reliable, tidy and methodical, with strong attention to detail and accuracy




• Adaptable and flexible, comfortable with changing priorities and willing to learn new skills




• Builds strong relationships with colleagues and suppliers, with a clear focus on results




• The stature and confidence to deal with stakeholders internally and externally, working towards mutual goals




• Willing to get ‘stuck in’ at all levels and to undertake whatever is required to complete the job




• Ambition to grow and take on greater responsibility over time

Measures of Success:

• Materials available on time, with fewer supply‑related interruptions to manufacturing




• Reliable MRP output, accurate planning data and appropriate inventory levels




• Improved supplier on‑time delivery, quality and responsiveness




• Commercial savings through negotiation, sourcing and more efficient processes




• Improvement actions completed on time, with clear and regular reporting

What we can offer you:

We’re all about keeping our team engaged because we know that when people feel connected, motivated, and supported, they bring their best to work. We aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, has room to grow, and can make a real impact.

• Comprehensive induction plan & continued training & development




• Pension contribution




• Flexible working hours (Standard 8.30am-5.00pm)




• Regular company updates to all employees




• Green Team to drive sustainability

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