Supply chain planner/buyer

Fantastic opportunity in Witham for an experienced Supply Chain Planner/Buyer with strong buying and logistics expertise to join a well-established, growing business.

Hours: Mon – Friday 08.30-17.30 – 1 hour lunch

Location: Witham CM8

Type: temporary – fixed term

Pay: £16-18ph DOE

Start date: January 2026

Key duties:

• Plan and place accurate product orders using forecasting, sales data and system tools.
• Manage stock performance by monitoring shortages, wastage and availability, and acting to reduce issues.
• Investigate delivery problems and work with suppliers to prevent repeats.
• Build and manage strong supplier relationships, including regular reviews, updates and performance monitoring.
• Oversee procurement activities for production, sales and service materials, including optimising order quantities.
• Adjust and reschedule purchase orders to match changing demand and maintain accurate supplier forecasts.
• Manage and update production schedules, ensuring all related data in SAP is correct and supports product availability.
• Provide accurate product availability information and communicate forecasts, risks and plans to internal teams.
• Analyse data and prepare reports, highlighting trends, potential issues, capacity risks and improvement recommendations.
• Support continuous improvement, including resolving quality issues, updating records, and contributing to optimisation initiatives.
• Manage full vehicle compliance, including MOTs, inspections, tax, insurance and legal requirements, using FleetCheck to monitor vehicle and driver status.
• Plan delivery schedules and routes, considering driver hours, vehicle capacity and cost efficiency, and prepare all required dispatch documentation.
• Lead supplier and outsourced logistics coordination, selecting cost-effective external transport solutions when required.
• Manage driver compliance and performance, including HR meetings, training requirements (CPC), and responding to breaches or issues.
• Handle vehicle defects and breakdowns, managing repairs and recovery services to minimise fleet downtime.

Skills & Experience:

• Strong eye for detail.
• Well-organised, structured, and able to work effectively under pressure.
• Comfortable working across multiple departments, solid  experience in areas such as customer service, purchasing, manufacturing, finance, production planning, supply chain, stock control, and managing lead times in a fast-paced environment.
• Confident using IT systems, especially Excel, and quick to pick up new software.
• Clear, proactive communicator who builds solid relationships both internally and externally, in writing and in person.
• Strong people skills with the ability to influence others.
• Able to analyse issues and solve problems effectively.
• Good with numbers and reporting, capable of interpreting data, spotting trends, and drawing insights.
• Works well with others and values collaboration.
• Experience in capacity planning, forecasting, and modelling.
• Background in fleet management and logistics planning, including working within legal requirements.
• Understanding of driving regulations, tachograph rules, and infringement legislation.
• Keen to grow, learn, and develop new skills.

To apply for this Supply chain planner/buyer position, please apply now or submit updated CV to southend@gap-personnel.com or contact southend branch on 01702 987900

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