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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and purchase materials to keep production running smoothly.
- Company: Dynamic manufacturing SME in Burton-on-Trent with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, collaborative environment, and opportunities for impact.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and make a real difference in production efficiency.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning or purchasing within manufacturing and strong problem-solving skills.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 ÂŁ per year.
The Planner Buyer will be responsible for planning and purchasing components, materials, and services to support production schedules. The role ensures the right materials are available at the right time, in the right quantity, and at the right cost, while supporting a fast‑paced SME manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Planning
- Create and maintain production and material plans based on sales forecasts, customer demand, and capacity.
- Monitor MRP outputs and adjust plans to meet changing demand and priorities.
- Work closely with production, engineering, and sales to align plans and resolve shortages.
- Maintain accurate planning data including lead times, minimum order quantities, and safety stock levels.
- Buying & Procurement
- Purchase components, mechanical parts, and consumables in line with production requirements.
- Help supplier relationships, including pricing, lead times, and delivery performance.
- Expedite orders and resolve supply issues to minimise production disruption.
- Identify cost‑saving opportunities and support supplier negotiations.
- Source alternative suppliers or components where necessary to reduce risk.
- Inventory Management
- Balance stock availability with inventory value to meet business targets.
- Monitor excess, obsolete, and slow‑moving stock and support corrective actions.
- Carry out regular supplier and internal stock reviews.
- Operational Support
- Support new product introductions (NPI) by ensuring materials are sourced and available on time.
- Maintain accurate records within the ERP/MRP system.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives across planning and procurement.
Skills & Experience
- Essential
- Experience in a Planner Buyer, Materials Planner, or Purchasing role within manufacturing.
- Understanding of components and supply chains.
- Experience using MRP/ERP systems.
- Strong organisational and problem‑solving skills.
- Ability to work in a dynamic SME environment and manage changing priorities.
- Good communication skills and ability to work cross‑functionally.
- Desirable
- Experience in mechanical manufacturing.
- Knowledge of supply chain risk management and component lifecycle issues.
- CIPS qualification or working towards (or equivalent experience).
- Experience supporting NPI activities.
Personal Attributes
- Proactive and hands‑on approach.
- Comfortable working with detail and data.
- Commercially aware with a practical mindset.
- Flexible and adaptable in a growing business.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary (dependent on experience).
- Opportunity to make a real impact in a growing SME.
- Collaborative and supportive working environment.
- On‑site role in Burton‑on‑Trent.
Buyer Planner employer: W Talent
Contact Detail:
W Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues 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 culture. Understand their products and services, especially in manufacturing. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! As a Planner Buyer, you'll need to think on your feet. Consider common supply chain challenges and how you would tackle them. This will impress interviewers and show you're ready for the dynamic SME environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Planner Buyer role. Highlight your experience in planning and purchasing, and don’t forget to mention any MRP/ERP systems you’ve used. We want to see how your skills match what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Share specific examples of how you’ve tackled challenges in previous roles, especially in a manufacturing environment. We love a good story!
Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, make sure to showcase your strong organisational and problem-solving skills. Give us examples of how you’ve managed changing priorities or resolved supply issues in the past. We’re all about finding solutions here at StudySmarter!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to submit all your documents in one go. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at W Talent
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Planner Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of planning and procurement metrics. Brush up on key figures like lead times, minimum order quantities, and safety stock levels. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled supply chain issues in the past. Whether it’s resolving shortages or managing excess stock, having specific scenarios ready will highlight your ability to think on your feet and adapt to changing priorities.
✨Familiarise Yourself with MRP/ERP Systems
Since experience with MRP/ERP systems is essential, make sure you can talk about your familiarity with these tools. If you’ve used specific software, mention it! This will reassure them that you can manage planning data effectively from day one.
✨Build Rapport with Cross-Functional Teams
Communication is key in this role. Think of ways you’ve successfully collaborated with production, engineering, or sales teams in the past. Sharing these experiences will demonstrate your ability to work cross-functionally and support a collaborative environment.
