Material Buyer/Planner

Job Description Summary

You’ll be the force that keeps production running smoothly turning plans into action so materials arrive exactly when needed and at the right cost. In this Material Planner/Buyer role, you’ll orchestrate end‑to‑end material flow, convert production schedules into timely purchase orders, and adapt plans as demand and lead times shift—preventing bottlenecks and safeguarding on‑time delivery. You’ll build strong partnerships across Production, Quality, Warehousing, Regulatory, and Finance while managing suppliers for raw and packaging materials, tracking performance, and driving corrective actions where needed. You’ll balance service and cost through smart inventory strategies, tackle slow‑moving or obsolete stock, and maintain accurate records in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems—all while upholding Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and validated processes.

Location,: Indianapolis, IN
LI- #onsite
Shift: 1st

 

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain material requirements plans based on forecasts, production schedules, and usage trends.

• Convert production needs into accurate purchase requisitions and purchase orders.

• Adjust material plans as demand, lead times, or production priorities shift.

• Manage suppliers to ensure quality, on‑time delivery, and responsive issue resolution.

• Track purchase orders, pricing, quantities, and delivery accuracy.

• Maintain optimal inventory levels while minimizing risk of obsolescence.

• Monitor safety stock, reorder points, and lead times, adjusting as needed.

• Partner cross‑functionally to meet Good Manufacturing Practice and regulatory requirements.

• Ensure accurate, compliant documentation in enterprise planning systems.

Essential Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a supply chain–related field.

• 3+ years of relevant experience in material planning, purchasing, or supply chain roles.

• Experience working in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other Good Manufacturing Practice–regulated environments.

• Proficiency with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems, including SAP and Microsoft Dynamics.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to maintain accurate data and documentation in compliance with company and regulatory standards.

Novartis Compensation Summary:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $85,400 and $158,600 per year. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors. Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a generous time-off package including vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leaves.

 

EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. 

 

Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

 

Salary Range

$85,400.00 - $158,600.00

 

Skills Desired

Data Analytics and Digital, gmp knowledge, HSE Knowledge, Inventory Management, Logistics and Transportation Management, Master Data, Operational Excellence, Order Management, Resilience and Risk Management, Sap Erp, supply chain management, Supply Planning, Warehouse Management