Position

Senior Buyer – Office based (Folkestone), reporting to the Operations Director

A new role to develop, run and lead the way we buy raw materials and products. Working closely with the Product Design Team, our China Sourcing Team, Head of Warehousing, Head of Manufacturing and the Director of Sales and Marketing to manage the stock inventory and drive savings through improving stock oversight and availability, building relationships and partnerships with suppliers and low cost countries.

Conduct the day to day hands on management of raw material and consumable buying for our manufactured product

Responsible for the management, development and supervision of the Buying Team (Non- manufactured product for wholesale/distribution)

Lead the optimisation of SAP across buying streams

Manage stock inventory and drive savings through improving stock oversight and availability, building relationships and partnerships with suppliers and low cost countries.

Some UK and international travel, especially at outset (based in Plymouth for 2-3 weeks initially and thereafter frequent trips)

Responsible for contributing to the continuous improvement of the business

Key requirements:

Essential

At least 5 years professional buying experience in related industry FMCG/Manufacturing based in UK and subject to UK legislation

Background in purchasing raw materials from low cost countries

Proven negotiator

Competent and knowledgeable MRP user for buying

High analytical ability and capable of working with data

Understanding of production planning, material supply and NPD

Identify and resolve conflicts with critical component shortages

Thorough understanding of supply chain and logistics and distribution network, ensuring quality, availability, legislation (audit, modern slavery, trading standards, FSC, sustainability)

Previous team leading experience, managing change, inclusive, approachable and motivating

Desirable

SAP skills/experience

CIPs qualified/member