Role Overview:

This hands-on role is critical in ensuring the seamless flow of raw materials, packaging, and finished goods. You will be responsible for all purchasing and planning activities-from sourcing and ordering, through inventory control, to supporting production with accurate and timely planning based on sales forecasts.

This role suits someone highly organised with a strong understanding of materials planning and supply chain functions, ideally with experience in chemicals or a regulated manufacturing environment.

Core Responsibilities:

Purchasing (Raw Materials & Packaging)

Source and purchase raw materials, additives, solvents, and packaging to meet production and stock targets
Monitor supplier lead times, MOQs, and pricing to ensure optimal stock and cashflow balance
Maintain strong supplier relationships and conduct periodic reviews on pricing and performance
Raise and manage purchase orders, delivery schedules, and documentation (e.g. COAs, SDSs)

Demand Planning & Forecasting

Liaise with sales and management to review rolling forecasts
Translate sales forecast into raw material and packaging requirements
Adjust planning assumptions based on customer orders, seasonality, and known market shifts

Inventory Management / Stock Control

Monitor stock levels of raw materials, intermediates, packaging, and finished goods
Maintain accurate stock records and work with production and warehouse teams to conduct regular cycle counts
Identify slow-moving or obsolete stock and recommend actions

Production Planning

Plan production batches based on forecasts, customer orders, and batch-sizing efficiencies
Schedule jobs to optimise plant capacity and reduce changeover downtime
Coordinate with production and lab teams to ensure materials are available on time for manufacturing

Systems & Reporting

Maintain purchasing and stock data in ERP or MRP systems
Generate weekly/monthly reports on stock levels, purchasing KPIs, and production planning accuracy
Track usage vs plan and highlight variances

Skills & Experience Required:

Essential

3+ years in purchasing, planning, or inventory control (preferably in chemicals, coatings, or manufacturing)
Excellent organisational and planning skills
Strong Excel skills (formulas, lookups, pivot tables)
Understanding of supply chain processes and basic financial impact of purchasing decisions
Familiarity with health & safety and regulatory requirements (e.g. REACH, SDS handling)

Desirable

Experience in polyurethane, resins, or chemical-based industries
Working knowledge of MRP/ERP software
Experience in a small business / SME environment
Knowledge of Incoterms and international shipping for materials

Personal Attributes:

Hands-on, proactive, and detail-focused
Calm under pressure with good problem-solving skills
Strong communicator across all levels
Team player with a flexible mindset

What We Offer:

Opportunity to make a real impact in a growing business
Close-knit, collaborative team environment
Career development in operations and supply chain
Competitive salary and benefits
Proactive Global is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.
Proactive Global is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy