Planner and Purchaser, wythenshaweWythenshawe

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
Job Title
Planner and Purchaser
Job Purpose
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.

Skills and Experience

• 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.

Personal Attributes

• 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.