Buyer / Planner

<p>Job Description</p><br>Are you the right applicant for this opportunity Find out by reading through the role overview below.<br><p>Planner / Buyer</p><p>Location: Hastings</p><p>Salary: £30,000 – £35,000 + bonus & benefits</p><p>About the Company</p><p>This opportunity is with a long-standing, family-run precision engineering business that has built a strong reputation over more than four decades. The company focuses on producing complex, high-specification machined parts and assemblies, using modern CNC turning and milling techniques.</p><p>They support a variety of demanding industries such as aerospace, defence, motorsport, and telecommunications, operating to strict quality standards including AS9100. Their services range from prototype development through to full-scale production, with a strong emphasis on flexibility and customer satisfaction.</p><p>As part of their ongoing expansion, they are seeking a Planner/Buyer to strengthen their manufacturing and supply chain team.</p><p>The Position</p><p>In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing both production planning and purchasing activities, helping to ensure materials and resources are in place to meet delivery commitments.</p><p>You’ll collaborate closely with internal departments and external suppliers, balancing production demands, capacity, and material flow within a fast-moving engineering environment.</p><p>Key Duties</p><ul><li>Create and manage production schedules to meet customer deadlines</li><li>Issue and oversee purchase orders for materials, subcontracted processes, and consumables</li><li>Build and maintain effective supplier relationships to support quality, cost efficiency, and timely delivery</li><li>Track and manage inventory levels, implementing stock control methods such as Kanban where appropriate</li><li>Liaise with engineering and production teams to assist with new product introduction and ongoing work</li><li>Monitor lead times and address any potential supply chain disruptions</li><li>Keep ERP/MRP systems updated with accurate and relevant data</li><li>Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within planning and procurement functions</li></ul><p>About You</p><ul><li>Previous experience in a planning, buying, or similar role within manufacturing is desirable</li><li>Knowledge of precision engineering, CNC machining, or subcontract environments would be advantageous, though not essential</li><li>Familiarity xwzovoh with MRP/ERP systems or production planning tools is beneficial</li><li>Strong organisational ability with the capacity to manage competing priorities</li><li>Confident communicator, comfortable engaging with suppliers and internal stakeholders</li><li>Proactive approach with solid problem-solving skills and a willingness to develop</li><li>Genuine interest in manufacturing and supply chain operations</li></ul><p>What You’ll Receive</p><ul><li>24 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays</li><li>Early finish every Friday</li><li>The chance to join a well-regarded and expanding engineering company</li><li>Supportive team environment with a collaborative culture</li><li>Exposure to cutting-edge manufacturing processes and high-performance industries</li></ul>