Buyer/Scheduler: External Supply (Port Elizabeth) at Aspen Pharma Group

OBJECTIVE OF ROLE

• To effectively manage the movement of materials and scheduling of finished goods in the pharmaceutical manufacturing environment in accordance with the demand requirements, ensuring optimal inventory levels, timely deliveries, and necessary compliance with industry regulations and standards. Making use of strong analytical and organizational skills to streamline supply chain processes, minimize costs, and support production efficiency while maintaining quality standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Demand Planning

• Review and verify demand forecast downloaded in ERP system.
• Review Inventory level projection file (ILP) and Recommended Order lists. 

Supply Planning 

• Monthly sales and operation process.
• Reschedule backlogs daily and prioritise and expedite as needed.
• Long-term planning (6months +). Identifying capacity constraints.
• Firming of orders on ERP as per demand forecast, obtain authorization as per the approvals framework and distribute to suppliers.
• Regular follow up with suppliers on open order status.
• Demand Forecasts verified and shared with suppliers.
• Manage all supply related activities for site changes.

 Reporting and performance management 

• Stock-out reports – Perform stock out analysis.
• Vendor Performance Management - compile quarterly reports.
• OTIF reports – maintenance and distribution.
• Compile and update monthly and quarterly sales forecast reports.
• Maintain tracker for non-conforming stock investigations and claims.
• Maintain obsolescent stock report.
• Report on budgeted, planned and actuals sales.

 Logistics Planning 

• Plan shipments on weekly basis based on sales plan to achieve OTIF.
• Liaise with manufacturing sites, logistics service providers to ensure documentation is available and is processed with shipments.
• Track shipments including raw material shipments (Toll).
• Identify any risks to delivery of our orders.
• Coordinate actions emanating from the project's meetings.

Planning & procedures 

• Oversee work / serve as a lead technical expert in a complex area/project.

Asset/ Resource coordination

• Provide input into required changes in resources to enable achievement of own objectives.
• Determine resource needs of own area of work; request and allocate required assets and resources for the fulfilment of work objectives.

 Technical expertise 

• Optimise current processes; identify gaps in current policies / procedures.
• Propose changes or improvements to management on processes, tools, techniques, and products.
• Provide technical advice for issues experienced by internal stakeholders.

 Accountability & Decision Rights 

• Apply advanced and mastered knowledge of concepts, methods, terminology, codes, quality standards and specialised job requirements.
• Provide updates to management regarding team or operational performance, work progress and quality.
• Serve as a technical advisor to management to resolve the most complex technical challenges and handling escalated issues as a lead technical expert.
• Escalate out-of-policy matters.

Independent decisions relating to:

Non-routine issues.

• Correction and/ or containment of errors of significant impact (financial loss, customer business, materials and/ or equipment downtime).
• Prioritisation of tasks and responsibilities within overall direction and clearly defined parameters/ schedules and established policies, practices, guidelines, and quality and safety checks.

Requirements
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Matric
• National Diploma in Logistics or Supply Chain Management 

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• 6+ years' experience
• Production planning
• Sound understanding and knowledge of MRP/ MPS logic

SOFT SKILLS AND COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

• Interrogating Information
• Making Decisions
• Planning and Organising
• Meeting Deadlines
• Customer Awareness