Material Planner/Buyer

The Material Planner/Buyer is responsible for managing inventory levels and ensuring timely procurement of materials to support production schedules. This position plays a critical role in ensuring manufacturing readiness by collaborating closely with cross-functional teams such as Manufacturing (MFG), MSAT, and Quality.

Location: Morrisville, NC

Type: Contract (with potential for hire)

Pay Rate: $30–$38/hour

The ideal candidate would have experience working in a startup environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage material requirements based on production schedules, demand forecasts, and lead times.
• Create and manage purchase orders for raw materials, reagents, consumables, and manufacturing components.
• Execute transactions in inventory systems (e.g., Coupa), including item/location setup, receipts, returns, cycle counts, and transfers.
• Maintain inventory order logic (reorder points and replenishment quantities) and monitor stock levels to avoid shortages or excess.
• Track open purchase orders, expedite or de-expedite shipments as needed, and manage on-time deliveries.
• Support supplier communication and relationship management to resolve delays, substitutions, or quality concerns.
• Coordinate material readiness for production runs, technology transfers, and new product introductions.
• Assist in qualifying new suppliers and ensure compliance with internal procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of procurement and inventory activities within ERP or inventory systems.
• Manage inventory across internal and third-party warehouses.
• Participate in process improvement and lean initiatives to streamline planning and procurement workflows.
  
  

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Inventory Management, Business, or a related field.
• 0–5 years of experience in material planning, procurement, inventory, or supply chain operations in a biotech, pharmaceutical, or gene therapy environment.
• Understanding of cGMP manufacturing principles.
• Familiarity with supply chain and finance workflows.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and inventory systems (e.g., Coupa, Ariba, ERP platforms).
  
  

Preferred

• Experience in cGMP warehousing environments.
• Background in process development or research support.
• Knowledge of project management or process improvement tools (Lean, PMP, Six Sigma).
• Experience working in a startup or fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong data analysis and risk assessment capabilities.
  
  

This job description is a complete list of all desired skills, but not all are required. We strongly encourage candidates who have some of the skills to apply. We look forward to a conversation to learn more about you!

INDBH