Buyer - Pharmaceuticals

Buyer – Pharmaceuticals (Part-Time)

Location: Aylesford, Kent (Hybrid)

Salary: £22,800 – £28,800 (21 hours per week)

Full-Time Equivalent: £38,000 – £48,000

Hours: 21 hours per week

Working Pattern

Preferred: 3 full days per week (8am–4pm or 9am–5pm)

Flexible working arrangements considered

One working day must be Monday

Up to 1 day per week working from home

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Buyer to join a growing pharmaceutical manufacturing business in Kent.

This role combines procurement, supplier management and supplier quality activities within a regulated GMP environment. Working closely with Manufacturing, Quality and Operations teams, you will play a key role in ensuring materials, services and equipment are sourced effectively whilst maintaining supplier performance, quality standards and regulatory compliance.

This position would suit an experienced procurement professional seeking a flexible part-time opportunity within a highly regulated manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Manage purchasing and planning activities through the ERP system.

Source and procure raw materials, consumables, services and equipment.

Negotiate pricing, contracts and supplier agreements.

Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.

Support supplier onboarding, qualification and performance management activities.

Conduct supplier reviews and assist with supplier audits where required.

Investigate supplier quality issues and support corrective actions.

Maintain accurate procurement and quality documentation.

Support GMP, customer and regulatory audits.

Assist with CAPAs, deviations, change controls and other quality management activities.

Monitor supplier performance and identify potential supply chain risks.

Develop contingency plans and alternative sourcing strategies where required.

Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across procurement and supply chain operations.

Support KPI reporting, supplier performance analysis and business improvement projects.

About You

Essential Requirements

Previous experience within Procurement, Purchasing, Buying or Supply Chain.

Experience working within a manufacturing environment.

Strong understanding of supplier management and procurement processes.

Experience using ERP systems.

Good Microsoft Excel skills.

Excellent organisational and communication skills.

Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively across departments.

Desirable Requirements

Experience within a regulated manufacturing environment such as Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, Life Sciences or Chemicals.

GMP knowledge and understanding.

Experience supporting supplier quality activities.

Knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS).

Experience participating in supplier audits.

Understanding of risk management methodologies such as FMEA.

CIPS qualification or studying towards CIPS.

What's On Offer?

Flexible part-time working arrangement.

Hybrid working available.

Opportunity to work within a regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.

Broad role covering procurement, supplier quality and continuous improvement.

Supportive and collaborative team culture.

Opportunity to make a visible impact within a growing organisation