Senior Buyer / Planner

Job description

Winning the race to bring new healthcare products safely to a waiting world drives Rapid Micro Biosystems (RMB) to combine today’s innovative technologies as never before. Your career at RMB puts you at the center of diverse global teams that span robotics, AI, Machine Learning, imaging, microbiology, and more, re-shaping how urgently needed pharmaceuticals are made, tested, and released for decades to come. The sky’s the limit. Careers at RMB are fast-moving, with the high growth you’d expect from a world leader in microbiology automation. Advancement at RMB affords an opportunity to achieve your personal goals and develop your passions, in an inclusive environment where every employee has the resources and opportunities to hone their skills. You’ll do more, learn more, and have the ability to make a profound impact on our business. **Position Summary** We are seeking an experienced Senior Buyer/Planner to lead the procurement and planning of direct materials, including electrical, mechanical, and consumable components, within a biotech environment. This role is responsible not only for ensuring material availability but for actively driving cost-reduction initiatives, supplier negotiations, and continuous improvement across the supply base. The ideal candidate is hands-on, data-driven, and comfortable owning purchase price variance (PPV), supplier strategy, and cross-functional cost-out efforts while supporting production and growth. ### Key Responsibilities - Own procurement and planning for materials (electrical, mechanical, and consumables) supporting production - Lead supplier negotiations focused on purchase price reduction, lead time improvement, and commercial terms - Develop and execute cost-out initiatives, including should-cost analysis, resourcing, volume leverage, and design-for-cost collaboration - Actively manage PPV, identify trends, and implement corrective actions - Establish and maintain planning parameters (lead times, safety stock, MOQ) in the ERP/MRP system - Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality on supplier changes, alternate sourcing, and cost-reduction opportunities - Drive supplier performance through scorecards, reviews, and corrective action plans - Identify and mitigate supply risk while balancing inventory, service levels, and cost - Support compliance and documentation requirements in a regulated manufacturing environment - Mentor junior buyers/planners and contribute to best practices across the supply chain function ### Required Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field - 7+ years of experience in direct materials procurement and planning - Demonstrated success driving cost reductions and supplier negotiations - Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems and planning logic (SAP) - Experience managing electrical, mechanical, and/or consumable components - Proven ability to work cross-functionally and influence without authority - Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills ### Preferred Qualifications - Experience leading sourcing or resourcing initiatives - APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP) - Advanced Excel and data analysis capabilities