Material Buyer/Planner

The Buyer/Planner will be responsible for procuring materials, components, and services while maintaining optimal inventory levels to support sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing operations. This role will manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and develop purchasing strategies to ensure timely material availability, cost efficiency, and compliance with cGMP, DEA, and site-specific requirements. The Buyer/Planner will work cross-functionally with Production, Quality, and Warehouse teams to maintain an uninterrupted supply chain that meets production schedules for injectable IV bag products, including high potent APIs and controlled substances.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Develop and execute purchase orders for raw materials, packaging components, consumables, and services in accordance with approved supplier lists and site requirements.
2. Maintain optimal inventory levels by balancing material availability with cost-effective order quantities.
3. Collaborate with Production Planning and Supply Chain to align material purchases with manufacturing schedules.
4. Participate and represent the site in the routine S&OP meeting.
5. Monitor supplier performance, including on-time delivery, quality, and responsiveness, and drive corrective actions as needed.
6. Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers to achieve cost savings and value-added agreements.
7. Maintain accurate purchasing and planning data in the ERP system, ensuring alignment with master data and inventory control requirements.
8. Identify and qualify alternative suppliers to mitigate supply risks and ensure business continuity.
9. Coordinate with Quality Assurance and Quality Control to ensure incoming materials meet specifications and quality standards.
10. Support new product introduction by sourcing and securing materials in alignment with project timelines.
11. Generate and track Production Orders through release to ensure on time, in full deliveries to customers.
12. Track and report key procurement and planning metrics, such as supplier on-time delivery, inventory turns, and purchase price variance.
13. Ensure compliance with all cGMP, DEA, and regulatory requirements for the procurement and handling of controlled substances and high potent materials.
14. Participate in cross-functional process improvement initiatives to enhance supply chain efficiency and reliability.

Qualifications / Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred; equivalent work experience considered.
• Minimum of 3 years of procurement, planning, or supply chain experience in a cGMP-regulated pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or related manufacturing environment.
• Experience with controlled substances, high potent APIs, and regulated material handling preferred.
• Strong knowledge of ERP/MRP systems, purchasing processes, and inventory control principles.
• Familiarity with cGMP, DEA, and FDA requirements related to materials management.

Skills / Competencies:

• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Analytical skills for demand planning, inventory optimization, and cost analysis.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems.
• Detail-oriented, compliance-focused, and proactive problem solver.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic manufacturing environment.