1.Job Purpose

The Maintenance Planner/Buyer is responsible for planning, scheduling, and coordinating maintenance activities while managing the engineering stores and ensuring timely procurement of spare parts. The role focuses on supplier management, inventory optimization, maximizing equipment reliability and maintaining uninterrupted plant operations through efficient purchasing and engineering stores oversight.

 Key Responsibilities

• Maintenance Planning & Scheduling 
  • Develop and schedule preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance plans 
  • Coordinate maintenance activities with operations to reduce downtime 
  • Prepare detailed work orders with scope, labor, tools, and timelines 
  • Monitor and manage maintenance backlog and priorities 
• Asset & Reliability Management 
  • Analyze equipment performance and failure trends to improve reliability 
  • Support implementation of reliability-centered maintenance strategies 
  • Track and report maintenance KPIs (MTTR, MTBF, downtime, etc.) 
• Engineering Stores Management 
  • Manage engineering stores, ensuring accurate stock levels and proper inventory control 
  • Maintain critical spare parts inventory to support operational continuity 
  • Conduct regular stock counts and ensure proper storage, labeling, and housekeeping 
  • Optimize inventory levels to balance cost and availability 
• Spare Parts Procurement & Supplier Management 
  • Manage end-to-end procurement of engineering spares
  • Source, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers to achieve optimal pricing, quality, and delivery terms
  • Develop and execute sourcing strategies aligned with business and operational needs
  • Ensure compliance with company procurement policies and procedures
  • Identify and order required spare parts and materials in a timely manner 
  • Coordinate with procurement and finance processes for purchase approvals 
  • Track orders and follow up to prevent delays affecting maintenance schedules 
  • Develop and maintain supplier relationships for critical spare parts 
• Supplier & Contract Management
  • Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers
  • Negotiate contracts, pricing agreements, and service levels
  • Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement
  • Resolve supplier-related issues including delays, quality concerns, and shortages
• Work Order & CMMS Management 
  • Maintain accurate maintenance data in CMMS (e.g., SAP PM) 
  • Update equipment history, job completion data, and maintenance records 
  • Review completed work orders for accuracy and quality 
• Health, Safety & Compliance 
  • Ensure all maintenance activities meet safety and regulatory requirements 
  • Incorporate safety procedures into maintenance planning 
  • Report hazards, incidents, and non-compliance issues 
  • Promote safe storage and handling practices within engineering stores
• Communication & Collaboration 
  • Work closely with maintenance, engineering, production, and finance teams
  • Provide regular updates on procurement status, risks, and supplier performance
  • Provide updates on schedules, materials, and maintenance progress 
  • Support continuous improvement and cost-saving initiatives 

2.Skills & Competencies

• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
• In-depth knowledge of procurement processes in a chemical or industrial environment
• Strong planning, scheduling, and organizational skills 
• Experience in engineering stores and inventory control
• Financial acumen and cost management capability
• Supplier management and procurement coordination skills 
• Proficiency in ERP/CMMS systems (e.g., SAP) and Microsoft Office
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability 
• Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration 
• High attention to detail and commitment to safety 

3.Travel Requirements

• Primarily site-based role
• Limited travel for supplier visits or multi-site support if required

4.Work Environment

• Chemical plant environment with both office and field responsibilities
• Exposure to hazardous materials and strict safety protocols 
• Exposure to machinery, tools, and maintenance activities 
• May require after-hours support during shutdowns or urgent breakdowns
• Will be required to perform standby duties.

5.Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in procurement or buying, maintenance planning or maintenance operations 
• Experience in engineering stores and spare parts management 
• Familiarity with procurement processes and supplier coordination 
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP) 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) 
• Strong understanding of chemical plant operations and material requirements