Senior Buyer/Planner

About You:

You are a proactive and detail-oriented supply chain professional with a passion for supporting innovation in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. With a background in biomedical or electro-mechanical manufacturing, you thrive on managing the complexities of supplier sourcing, contract negotiations, and new product introduction (NPI) activities. You are skilled at building strong supplier relationships, navigating ERP systems, and driving process improvements that enhance efficiency and compliance. Your analytical mindset, strong negotiation skills, and collaborative approach make you a trusted partner across engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams.

What You’ll Do:

Top 5 Responsibilities:

• Supplier sourcing and contract negotiations for NPI activities
• Manage supplier performance including authoring any supplier related change controls, driven by either Vital Bio or by supplier.
• Establish and manage MISys data and setup in support of new product development and design transfer.
• Planning and execution of prototype procurement and assembly planning
• Define and implement improvements to the overall Supply Chain Processes to drive Continuous Improvement
  
  

Sourcing and Procurement:

• Establish inventory levels and purchase raw materials, components, and services required for production and to maintain required inventory levels.
• Solicit, evaluate and analyze supplier quotes, negotiate prices, and payment terms of agreements and contracts.
• Create and issue purchase orders to ensure latent demand is addressed.
• In collaboration with Manufacturing management, plan purchasing and manufacturing activities with the goal of minimizing excess inventory and reduce carrying costs.
  
  

Supplier Management:

• Develop a portfolio of suppliers for the commodities within the sphere of responsibility.
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers with the goal of ensuring product continuity and optimal pricing.
• Conduct supplier performance evaluations, manage lead times, and resolve any issues related to quality, delivery, or pricing.
• Author any supplier related change controls, driven by either Vital Bio or by supplier.
  
  

NPI & Master Data Management:

• Determine the best sourcing partners and suppliers and work with the engineering team and supplier quality to identify and qualify new suppliers
• Establish Key Performance Indicators and Dashboards to monitor and track procurement activities for New Product Introduction activities
• Manage RFx cycle for new designs with existing and new suppliers.
• Act as primary contact between Suppliers and Engineering team to coordinate and manage prototypes and final design builds.
• Drive negotiations with suppliers to obtain optimal pricing to meet COGS targets.
• Monitor and update master data in MISys to ensure that the system reflects any changes in Vital Bio’s manufacturing processes: Items, BOMs, Suppliers, Jobs, & Locations.
• Coordinate changes in design or parts to ensure practical transition into the manufacturing schedule.
• Input and update new part number and BOM data in MISys after release of change orders or design documentation.
  
  

Production Scheduling:

• Collaborate with Manufacturing management to develop and maintain detailed production schedules to maximize utilization of manufacturing resources (machinery and personnel).
• Collaborate with internal teams to estimate demand and adjust production plans as needed based on changes.
• Monitor production progress and adjust schedules as needed to address any delays or changes in demand.
• Execute Manufacturing /Work Orders and conduct backflushing processes in tandem with ongoing manufacturing activities.
• Monitor and report on cost performance against budget.
  
  

Capacity Planning:

• Map out production capacity and proactively identify potential bottlenecks.
• Coordinate with manufacturing & assembly teams to balance production load and minimize downtime.
  
  

Demand Planning:

• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to develop accurate demand forecasts.
  
  

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure safe storage of supply chain related documentation with goal of audit preparedness.
• Monitor, track and archive all change notices from suppliers and raise appropriate change control process when necessary. Ensure accurate documentation compliance from suppliers with the goal of GMP compliance.
• Work with QA/C department to manage supplier change control actions to ensure an appropriate change control process is reflected within the Vital Bio supply chain.
  
  

Warehousing & Logistics Support:

• Assist in receiving, put-away and shipping of any shipment or goods within Vital’s supply chain.
• Provide support in monitoring and tracking inbound and outbound freight when required.
• Assist in periodic cycle counts and aid in discrepancy reconciliation.
• Support and execute inventory transfer & dispensing requests from internal departments.
  
  

Process Testing:

• Under the guidance of Supply Chain Lead, conduct testing of new processes within the MES to ensure they meet Vital Bio’s supply chain development goals.
• Execute test plans and scenarios to test & validate any process changes.
  
  

Troubleshooting:

• Identify and resolve issues stemming from usage of MISys for purchasing, planning, production or inventory related activities.
• Provide technical support and training to production staff on MES functionalities.
• Work with IT and engineering teams to troubleshoot and resolve system issues promptly.
  
  

Process Improvement:

• Identify opportunities for process improvements in procurement, production planning and inventory processes, both native and external to MISys.
• Participate in cross-functional projects to aid in continuous improvement initiatives.
  
  

What You’ll Need:

• Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, business or supply chain fields or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience:
• Supply Chain development and management in product development cycle/NPI process in a manufacturing organization.
• Experience in bio-medical or electro-mechanical manufacturing
• Exposure to basic vendor management and purchasing activities.
• Understanding of inventory management fundamentals.
• Exposure to production planning and capacity management.
• Skills:
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle and manipulate data in form of spreadsheets or from ERP systems
  

Bonus Points For:

• Experience in regulated industries such as medical devices, diagnostics, or biotechnology.
• Familiarity with GMP, ISO 13485, or other quality management systems.
• Proficiency with MISys or similar ERP/MES platforms.
• Demonstrated success supporting new product launches or design transfers.
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.).
• An appreciation for puns and a positive, solutions-oriented attitude!
  
  

Why Join Us?

At Vital Bio, you will:

• Play a key role in building and optimizing the supply chain for innovative diagnostic products that impact patient care worldwide.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and operations experts in a culture built on trust, agility, and ownership.
• Take ownership of your work and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that drive operational excellence.
• Grow professionally through exposure to cutting-edge technology, cross-functional projects, and opportunities for advancement.
• Help shape the future of accessible healthcare and make a meaningful difference every day.
  
  

About Vital

Vital is revolutionizing point-of-care diagnostics with our VitalOne platform, delivering real-time care wherever patients are. Our mission is to democratize health technology, making healthcare more accessible and proactive.

Our global team of experts spans chemistry, software, engineering, and microfluidics. We thrive on change, operate on trust, and value diverse perspectives. Our growth-minded culture empowers front-line decision-making and fosters impactful work.

We seek tenacious, bold individuals ready to transform healthcare. At Vital, your talent will make a difference as we work to ensure everyone has access to care when and where they need it.

Vital Biosciences Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We are therefore happy to accommodate any individual needs in keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation in order to participate in our hiring process, please contact us to make your needs known in advance.