Buyer/Planner

Job Title: Buyer Planner

Location: Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland

Work Type: Hybrid (minimum 3 days per week on-site)
Employment Type: Full-time

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Role Overview

An opportunity exists for a Buyer Planner to join a global healthcare organisation operating at the intersection of healthcare, materials science, and data-driven innovation. The role focuses on supporting production planning, inventory optimisation, and supply chain efficiency within a complex manufacturing environment.

You will play a key role in ensuring material availability, managing supply risks, and improving service levels while contributing to continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain.

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Key Responsibilities

• Plan manufactured products to achieve service level targets while supporting efficient production scheduling and resource utilisation
• Manage material flow, inventory investment, supply risks, and total cost of ownership (including expedite and premium freight costs)
• Support new product introductions, including governance processes, task tracking, and stakeholder communication regarding changes and impact
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cost, optimise inventory levels, and improve service performance
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across procurement, finance, operations, warehouse, quality, and global supply chain functions
• Ensure effective alignment between demand, supply, and production planning activities

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Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher)
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in supply chain planning, inventory management, or procurement
• Strong analytical capability with experience in reporting, data visualisation, and influencing senior stakeholders
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems such as Oracle, SAP, ASCP, or similar planning tools
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills (particularly Excel, Access, Outlook)
• Proven experience implementing process or systems improvements within a supply chain environment
• Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes, including production planning and inventory control

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Preferred / Desirable Experience

• Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or related discipline
• APICS CPIM or equivalent supply chain certification
• 10+ years’ experience in operations, logistics, or demand planning
• Experience in regulated environments (e.g., healthcare or similar industries)
• Familiarity with supply chain auditing processes and compliance frameworks (e.g., SOX)
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across multiple levels
• Experience working in cross-functional and global teams

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Additional Information

• Must be legally authorised to work in Ireland without visa sponsorship
• Hybrid working model with regular onsite presence required in Athlone
• Role may involve occasional domestic or international travel

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Equal Opportunity Statement

This organisation is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, civil status, family status, or membership of any protected group.