Packaging Inventory Planner/Buyer

An opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated individual to plan and purchase a specified range of packaging components as required in the manufacturing functions of the Dermal Supply Chain. The role will be based at our Warehousing & Distribution Centre at Kempston.

Key responsibilities:

Planning:

• For a specified range of packaging items, maintain optimum stock levels, to meet finished product production planning
• Maintain accurate system data for the specified range of items to include the creation and maintenance of additional item codes and product structures within the ERP system
• Plan the implementation of new components and reduce waste by minimising residual stock
• To assist, where required, regarding quality and service issues with packaging suppliers
• Responsible for Third Party consignment process

Purchasing:

• To purchase packaging components, basing decisions around the results of MRP and other factors, such as phasing requirements
• To liaise and meet with packaging suppliers if required regarding quality and service issues, leading to a satisfactory resolution through corrective and preventive actions
• Specify purchase order quantities and delivery locations
• Negotiate prices & lead times in exceptional circumstances, such as expedited deliveries or for non-standard quantities
• Maintain Market Awareness
• Identify risks and commercial opportunities within category
• Work with Packaging Manager to develop category strategies
• Maintain and update Supplier Relationship management (SRM) data and communications into ERP system

Specifications:

• To create and maintain packaging specifications to be submitted onto the Company Document Management system (CDM)
• To input into artwork revisions with relevant packaging codes in conjunction with required changes
• To obtain supplier approval of packaging specifications and submit onto the CDM
• Assist in the maintenance of the Component Change Log
• To provide support with the measurement and rating of packaging suppliers

Other:

• Creation and ownership of Company Change Controls relating own category
• To provide support with monthly and ad hoc reporting
• Maintain packaging documents within the CDM
• Attend hand over meetings with New Product Development team (NPD), in relation to packaging components
• To provide cover on packaging waste, consignments and packaging month end, redundant packaging, processing consumption of packaging components used by TPCM in ERP system
• To assist Supplier Relationship Manager in packaging projects where required

You should ideally have the following experience:

• Relevant experience purchasing packaging in a regulated manufacturing environment
• A good, clear communicator
• Supplier management experience
• Use of ERP based purchasing systems
• Experience of change management
• Self-motivated
• Commercially astute
• Attention to detail
• Worked with pharmaceutical packaging, specifically aluminium, glass and closures