Associate Buyer 1

At Charles River, we are passionate about improving the quality of people’s lives. When you join our global family, you will help create healthier lives for millions of patients and their families.

Charles River employees are innovative thinkers, who are dedicated to continuous learning and improvement. We will empower you with the resources you need to grow and develop in your career.

As a Charles River employee, you will be part of an industry-leading, customer-focused company at the forefront of drug development. Your skills will play a key role in bringing life-saving therapies to market faster through simpler, quicker, and more digitalized processes. Whether you are in lab operations, finance, IT, sales, or another area, when you work at Charles River, you will be the difference every day for patients across the globe.

**Benefits What you can expect from us**:
**Job Summary**:
We are currently looking to recruit an Associate Buyer to our Procurement Team based at our Tranent facilities.

The role is an integral part of the UK Procurement team and requires strong experience of procurement and MRP knowledge alongside excellent negotiation and communication skills.

Reporting to the Procurement Manager with a hands-on attitude to supplier and materials replenishment management. Building strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders across the business; ensuring that the required supplies/services are available to meet the business requirement in a timely manner, that they are supplied by the approved suppliers/service providers and procured in the most cost effective and efficient manner.

The below are the minimum requirements related to the Associate Buyer position.
- Degree or recognised purchasing, procurement or supply chain qualification equivalent, CPSM/MCIPS full certification
- Previous experience in a Planning, Purchasing or Materials role within a fast-paced procurement environment
- Established buyer experience and Good Procurement practices. Previous experience within a procurement/sourcing function would be desirable
- A general understanding of MRP, inventory management, supplier contracts and project management
- Good influencing skills with an understanding of stakeholder relationship management. Ability to professionally communicate and present at all levels
- Attention to detail, analytical skills and problem solving. Using data both current and historical to plan raw material demand. Track record of delivering cost reduction plans
- Ability to work well on own initiative and as part of a team. High level of drive and commitment - results driven individual who builds high performance teams
- Strong organisational and administration skills, working proactively to mitigate supply related issues
- Able to manage multiple assignments/ conflicting priorities and able to work under pressure and report on progress
- Problem solving skills and hands on approach to resolve issues
- A working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems SAP experience is desirable but not essential
- A positive work ethic and willing ness to learn
- Salary for this role will be dependent on skills and experience.

**About Safety Assessment**
Charles River is committed to helping our partners expedite their preclinical drug development with exceptional safety assessment services, state-of-the-art facilities and expert regulatory guidance. From individual specialty toxicology and IND enabling studies to tailored packages and total laboratory support, our deeply experienced team can design and execute programs that anticipate challenges and avoid roadblocks for a smooth, efficient journey to market. Each year approximately 120 investigational new drug (IND) programs are conducted in our Safety Assessment facilities.