Project Procurement Buyer

About the Role

Scolmore has a commitment to New Product Development with a busy Design & Procurement team. We are currently recruiting for a Buyer to join our Project Procurement team.

Main Duties

• Manage projects from inception, through to Supplier selection, quotation assessment, sample approval and product introduction
• Improve prices and terms of business with Suppliers and review opportunities to make business savings, utilising effective negotiation skills
• Provide analysis on costs, including new and existing, and review cost reductions through regular benchmarking
• Researching, selecting and procuring quality products and materials
• Building relationships with suppliers and negotiating with them for the best price, quantities and delivery timescales
• Understanding the target market and analysing trends in order to make informed buying decisions
• An understanding of commodity codes and how to use them correctly when assessing landed costs
• Coordinating with supply chain team, management, and warehouse
• Monitoring the stock quality and escalating any discrepancies to suppliers and management
• Analysing data or insights to determine industry and consumer trends regarding the product and category
• Creating and developing a strategic long-term plan for the development of the category
• Developing an exit strategy for unsuccessful products
• Building and driving relationships with key suppliers to improve pricing and quality of services
• Working with purchasing team to ensure appropriate orders to maintain product availability
• Leading category management projects to optimise ranges
• Collaborating with buyers and sales to expand product categories
• Working with commercial teams to assist with creating forecasts for product demand to ensure sustainability of inventory
• Establish new Suppliers and arrange necessary assessments, factory audits and compliance to proceed with initial orders
• Developing strong working relationships with buying, marketing, sales and other internal teams
• Prepare reports and updates to internal stakeholders as and when required

Essential Skills and Experience

• Previous experience in a buying or purchasing role
• Ability to analyse and develop accurate conclusions to support category decisions based on key data
• An understanding of the market and consumer insights and trends
• Strong persuasion skills to manage and influence at all levels of the company
• An analytical mind with strategic ability
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to aid negotiation
• Proficient in MS Office
• Good understanding of numeracy
• Commercial awareness
• Ability to make decisions
• Ability to cope with pressure and adapt to situations
• Able to work well in a team
• Good organisational skills
• A degree in a relevant subject, such as business, marketing, mathematics or finance or suitable experience as a buyer in a previous role
• Ability to travel overseas for trade fairs and supplier visits to countries such as China, India, Vietnam etc. depending on project requirements

Desirable Skills and Experience

• An understanding of MRP systems is beneficial but not essential
• CIPS Qualification or working toward this would be beneficial