Buyer

We are seeking an experienced Contract Materials Planner / Expeditor to support material availability and supply chain performance within a busy manufacturing environment. The role will focus on managing supplier deliveries, expediting critical materials, maintaining ERP/MRP data accuracy, and proactively resolving shortages to support production requirements.

The successful candidate will quickly integrate into the team, take ownership of their supplier base, and work closely with Planning, Procurement, Logistics and Operations to ensure on-time delivery and continuous supply chain improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage material requirements in line with MRP demand and production schedules.
• Expedite supplier deliveries to ensure material availability and minimise production disruption.
• Monitor shortages, delivery performance and supply risks, driving timely recovery actions.
• Maintain and update ERP/MRP data, including lead times and planning parameters.
• Build strong supplier relationships and conduct regular performance reviews.
• Generate and communicate supplier forecasts to support capacity and material planning.
• Resolve delivery, invoicing and documentation issues quickly and effectively.
• Work cross-functionally with Planning, Procurement, Engineering, Quality and Logistics teams.
• Support inventory optimisation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Escalate critical supply issues and risks as required.

Requirements

Essential

• Experience in Materials Planning, Supply Chain, Logistics or Expediting.
• Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems.
• Supplier management and delivery performance experience.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving and organisational skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Office applications.
• Ability to prioritise workload in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Desirable

• Manufacturing, aerospace or engineering industry experience.
• Experience managing shortages and supplier recovery plans.
• Knowledge of inventory management and production planning.
• CIPS, APICS/CPIM or equivalent qualification.