Project Buyer - POS

A new opportunity has arisen in my clients PM team due to a new client win! As a key member of the Supply function, the Project Buyer will take ultimate ownership of relevant key projects within the company’s cross-functional team structure, covering all operational issues following design conception through to completion and delivery of the tangible POS Display to the client.

Working directly with the client’s global supplier network, the incumbent will liaise closely with Sales, Design and where necessary the Customer to ensure the smooth flow of work through the business and satisfactory completion of projects on time, within budget and to the company’s quality standards.

Main Duties:

• Manage the progress of each project, taking full ownership, providing accurate information as required, to Sales and where necessary, direct to the customer.
• Ensure best price and delivery by means of benchmarking and negotiation with suppliers prior to submitting final costs.
• Work proactively on methods to drive efficiency and reduce cost by means of optimising use of the supply chain.
• Maintain budgetary control of all projects within the field of responsibility.
• Provide a major contribution to the company’s financial reporting system.
• Through active consultation with fellow team members and particularly the Project Manager, plan and facilitate work throughput, responding to and controlling change to ensure appropriate prioritisation of tasks.
• Ensure appropriate quality control/assurance is maintained at all stages of the supply chain.
• Plan and oversee on-site supervision of work in progress, where necessary.
• Interact directly with our overseas liaison offices, suppliers, partners, and inter-company divisions by way of conventional communications media and foreign travel.
• Work with the Sourcing team to help drive new supplier selection, development, and performance initiatives on a world-wide basis.
• Provide advice and intelligence to Designers and Sales staff on the external processes and services we manage, in terms of availability and prevailing commercial influencers.

Experience and Attributes:

• At least 3 years experience of buying within a similar industry with a bias towards out-sourcing as opposed to in-house manufacture. Experience of the Beauty sector would be a distinct advantage.
• Essential for the candidate to have a comprehensive working knowledge of most production disciplines (metalwork, joinery, particularly acrylic fabrication, vacuum forming, print, injection moulding) and materials associated with manufacturing displays/fixtures.
• An understanding of technology associated with displays would be a distinct advantage.
• An understanding of technical drawings.
• A track record of project buying POP and ancillary services for Brands, particularly relating to assemblies comprising of multi-materials & technology.
• Knowledge of Export/Import would be an advantage.
• Direct experience of managing both domestic and overseas suppliers. Some experience in the Far Eastern supply market would be a distinct advantage.
• Computer literacy with a high level of competence with Excel. Knowledge of PowerPoint.
• Highly numerate, able to analyse and add value to information.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Willingness to explore all angles to achieve solutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• First-rate organisational skills are a pre-requisite of this role.
• A high energy level is an essential attribute.

Based in the clients office based in Hertfordshire 2 days a week with flexibility to work from home or their London offices after probation.