Demand Planning and Supply Chain Manager

Demand Planning and Supply Chain Manager - Purchasing Manager - Medical Devises - Healthcare - up to £50k - Leading Benefits package - Healthcare Innovation - Tredegar

Yolk Recruitment are working with a leading Medical Device organisation who are at the Forefront of Medical Care innovation. They are on an upward trajectory of growth year on year, As such they are looking for a Purchasing Manager who has experience of Demand Planning and Supply Chain Management to help reach the next level. This will be an on site role but there may be some supplier visits to Barcelona, Turkey, Singapore etc.

The Job

Responsible for forecasting demand, optimising inventory levels and ensuring an efficient supply chain to meet business objectives. Also, managing and coordinating all purchasing activities for the group, managing key supplier relationships and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and quality standards. This role requires strong analytical skills, interpersonal skills, IT competency and strategic thinking, and will involve collaboration with cross-functional teams, including sales & marketing, finance, production and stores.

Main Duties

Demand Planning

• Develop and maintain accurate demand forecasts using historical data and commercial forecasts that can determine both raw material purchasing and production activity
• Collaborate accordingly with sales, marketing and finance teams to incorporate business insights into forecasting models
• Develop and maintain models/KPIs that can determine, optimise, measure: Raw material purchasing activity; and Production activity and direct labour resource requirements

• Routinely monitor demand variations and adjust forecasts accordingly to ensure optimal inventory levels (raw materials, WIP and finished goods)
• Identify risks and opportunities in demand planning and propose mitigation strategies

Supply Chain Management

• Oversee inventory planning and ensure stock availability while minimising excess inventory and obsolescence
• Work closely with production teams to align activity with demand forecasts
• Optimise supply chain processes to reduce costs, reduce risk, improve lead times and enhance efficiency wherever possible (whilst safeguarding quality)
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships for long-term partnerships
• Manage domestic and international supply chains, negotiate contracts and ensure competitive terms. Manage these relationships accordingly to ensure contractual terms are met
• Develop a risk management strategy to address potential supply chain disruptions
• Conduct supplier audits in collaboration with the Quality department, including compliance with sustainability/ethical sourcing practices and Modern Slavery Act legislation
• Monitor procurement KPIs and produce regular reports on cost savings, supplier performance and stock levels

General

• Collaborate with Technical/R&D on specific medical device-related supplies
• Provide leadership, training, and development for the Purchasing Assistant to enhance team capability and ensure continuous improvement

Essential

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong IT proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), ERP systems (e.g. SAP, Syspro) and analytical tools (e.g. Excel, Power BI)
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
• High standards of professionalism
• Strong contract management and negotiation skills
• People management and development (self and others)
• Knowledge of global supply chain processes and risk mitigation
• Ability to manage time effectively and meet tight deadlines

Desirable

• Previous experience working in the medical device industry with understanding of ISO 13485:2016 and related quality standards
• Experience with sustainable sourcing and supplier sustainability audits

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar role, ideally in a SME, medical device manufacturing environment
• Strong proficiency in demand forecasting tools, ERP systems and/or data analytics platforms (e.g. Syspro, SAP, Oracle, Excel, Power BI)
• CIPS qualifications to Advanced/Professional level
• Knowledge of supply chain best practices, procurement and logistics including, but not limited to, importing materials from overseas
• Ideally, experience in the medical devices sector with an understanding of ISO 13485:2016 and other quality considerations
• Full, clean UK Driving Licence