Buyer

Role overview

In this position, you will take ownership of purchasing and sourcing for assigned material categories, helping to keep manufacturing supplied with the raw materials and components it needs. The role focuses on securing dependable supply, maintaining compliance with GMP and company requirements, improving supplier performance, and ensuring purchasing decisions deliver strong value.

You will join a fast-moving, high-responsibility manufacturing setting and contribute to a wider cultural and systems transformation. Working closely with teams across Operations, Quality, Technical, Regulatory and Projects, you will support stable production, new product launches, and ongoing improvement while strengthening supply-chain resilience.

The role reports to the Purchasing Manager.

Location and working pattern

This role is based at the manufacturing site in Loughrea, County Galway, Ireland. After probation, the position is eligible for hybrid working, with 3 days on site and 2 days working remotely.

Key responsibilities

• Source and procure materials and components from approved global suppliers, following GMP requirements and internal purchasing procedures.
• Safeguard continuity of supply for production and project demands through planning, proactive risk assessment, and actions such as managing lead times, constraints, dual sourcing, and supplier capacity.
• Develop strong working relationships with suppliers, with a focus on quality, service, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Negotiate pricing and commercial conditions, including lead times, minimum order quantities, and delivery schedules, to secure best overall value and protect supply.
• Identify and build alternate or secondary supply sources to reduce risk and improve resilience.
• Manage inventory so that production needs and agreed stock targets are met while balancing service levels and working capital.
• Review MRP and forecast inputs, then take corrective action to avoid shortages or excess inventory; challenge assumptions and push for timely decisions.
• Keep material and supplier master data accurate and reliable to support planning and system integrity, while promoting strong data quality as systems change.
• Coordinate inbound logistics with freight partners for shipments from Europe and Asia, including China, and escalate supply risks early.
• Support new product introduction by sourcing and introducing materials on schedule and ensuring readiness for launch milestones.
• Work with Project Managers, Quality Assurance, Regulatory and Technical teams to meet project timelines and remove procurement blockers.
• Track supplier performance through KPIs covering delivery, quality, service, and responsiveness, and drive corrective actions and improvement plans.
• Lead supplier development and continuous improvement initiatives that reduce risk, shorten lead times, and lower cost.
• Handle purchasing deviations, change controls, investigations, and CAPAs within the QMS, showing strong ownership through to closure.
• Spot opportunities for cost reduction, standardisation, and process improvement across assigned categories, and present recommendations supported by data.
• Monitor market, commodity, and capacity trends that may affect the assigned categories, and brief stakeholders proactively.
• Support sustainability efforts through responsible sourcing, material optimisation, and waste reduction.
• Act as a positive change agent during process and systems transformation, helping embed consistent ways of working and stronger controls.

Skills and competencies

• Clear and persuasive communication, with the ability to influence internal teams and external suppliers.
• Strong negotiation ability and confidence in challenging constructively to reach balanced outcomes.
• High attention to detail, especially when working with planning data, master data, and documentation.
• Solid knowledge of supply chain planning and control concepts, including MRP, APS, and inventory management.
• A strong commercial mindset with focus on total cost, supply risk, and service impact.
• Comfort working under pressure, managing changing priorities, and solving problems quickly.
• Adaptability in periods of change, including adopting new systems, processes, and working methods.

Qualifications and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or a related field at QQI Level 8.
• At least 5 years of experience in raw material purchasing within the pharmaceutical or medical device sector.
• Background in a highly regulated environment operating under regulatory standards and a quality management system.
• Experience managing vendors and monitoring supplier performance.
• APICS/CPIM certification or an equivalent qualification is considered an advantage.
• Experience with change management, ideally in procurement or supply chain transformation, is beneficial.
• Hands-on experience with SAP or other ERP systems is essential.

Additional information

Applicants from a wide range of backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including people returning after a career break and those with transferable skills from non-traditional career paths. The company is committed to building an inclusive workplace and supporting people with disabilities.